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What Can Happen After A Relapse?

man struggles with impacts of relapse

Relapses are tricky things. No one wants to have one, but most of us have to deal with them at least once. Very infrequently does someone stop using one day and never go back to the substance of choice. Relapses happen; you shouldn’t be ashamed of them. You must accept the help you deserve and get back on the road to recovery. In the time leading up to relapse, the same few things happen emotional changes, mental changes, and physical changes. In the emotional stage of relapse, you may be feeling depressed or anxious. In the mental stage of relapse, you may start to think about using the substance even if you know you shouldn’t use it. In the physical stage of relapse, you have begun to use the substance again. This pattern is often talked about, but what isn’t talked about as much is what happens after the relapse. Are you left to pick up the pieces alone? No! That’s what Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here for! Continue reading to learn more about what happens after a relapse.    

  • Denial 

No one wants to relapse. You may have the urge to use drugs or alcohol, but no one wants to relapse and deal with the consequences. If you’ve been in recovery, you know it takes hard work to stay on the path to sobriety. Unfortunately, relapses still occur. Denial comes into play when someone relapses. They may be blindsided because they have worked so hard not to use it for a long time. They may not believe that they gave in to the urges. They may even question how much constitutes a relapse. In speaking to friends and family, they may deny that they relapse and keep it a secret. If you’re in the denial stage, really try to come to terms with your relapse. The more you deny it, the more time you’ve lost.   

  • Avoidance

After the denial stage, you might begin to become avoidant. You may want to lay low and keep your relapse under the table. You fear that if someone finds out, they may want to help you in ways you don’t want to be helped. You may also get defensive in this stage. You may even want to continue using. Try not to isolate yourself if you’re in this stage. Ask for the help you need and deserve.   

  • Spiral

Your intense feelings may cause you to want to use even more. You may get tunnel vision and think only about using drugs or alcohol again. This can lead you to lose focus on work, school, or other responsibilities. At this stage, there is not much desire to get back to sobriety. Try to fight this spiral. You’ve got this.   

  • Stuck

If you are feeling stuck after a relapse, know that you can get help and stop using it. Sobriety is still attainable, even though you may not think it is in this stage. If you’re feeling stuck, try reaching out to someone you trust for help.  

  • Confusion

You may be unsure of how to stop using if you are feeling stuck. Confusion may set in and you may begin to overreact to those that are just trying to help you. Your emotions may be at an all-time high. Try to accept the help that your loved ones are giving you.  

  • Depression

Feeling depressed after a relapse is not uncommon. You may not see recovery at all, but please know that it is there. If you are struggling to complete daily activities, reach out to someone you trust. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, again, reach out to someone you trust. Help is out there.   

  • Loss of control

If you are feeling like things aren’t in your control, you are not alone. You may be blaming those around you for your decisions. Try not to put the blame on others. Take responsibility for your actions.  

  • Reduction

In this stage, you have a few options: resent recovery, discontinue treatment altogether, be overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, tense, lose control over your behavior, or decide to choose recovery. Please choose recovery. We can help.   

Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you if you’ve relapsed. Call us today at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to speak with you. You deserve help. Call now.