Even though it can feel devastating, a relapse is not the end of the world. You can recover from it. Despite what you are feeling, your recovery has not failed. You experienced a minor setback. To help you recover from the setback, here are some tips for moving on.  

Get Professional Help

One of the most important steps you can take right now is to seek professional help. An outpatient drug rehab program will offer you the help needed to stay on the right path.  

In the program, you can reconnect with others who are going through the same experiences you are and get help understanding what led to the relapse. You can receive good advice on what does and does not work in the fight against addiction. You also can get a professional assessment of your emotional and mental health to determine if more intensive care is needed to help you work through this setback.  

Do Not Isolate Yourself

Relapsing can sometimes cause depression and anxiety. Some people choose to isolate themselves while they deal with their emotions. Even though you might feel this is the right move, it can be more harmful than good right now.  

Instead of isolating yourself, spend some time with friends and family. They can provide you with a temporary distraction from your thoughts and cravings, if necessary. Being around family and friends helps to stave off depression and anxiety. They also love and support you, which is something you undoubtedly need to know right now.  

Forgive Yourself

Guilt and shame can be a hindrance to your recovery. Instead of moving beyond the setback, some people become stuck in that moment. When this happens, they are more vulnerable to suffering another setback. Another setback could lead to even more, which could mean the need for more intensive recovery care in the future.  

Even though you had a minor setback, it does not define you. It does not negate all of the work you have done to heal. It also does not mean that your family and friends will turn away from you. You can acknowledge your feelings, but you have to forgive yourself. You have to let that one mistake go.  

Work with a substance abuse professional at an outpatient program to learn other ways that you can continue moving forward with your recovery following a setback. By actively addressing the setback, you are taking steps that will undoubtedly lead to a successful recovery.

For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.olalla.org.

Share