Relapse is just one of the unfortunate realities of recovery. While it will certainly not happen to everyone, there are high rates of relapse when it comes to addiction recovery, which is also why recovery centers have relapse policies. However, it is important to remember that everyone’s path is different, and recovery is always possible regardless of relapse or not.
The Prevalence of Relapse in the U.S.
Relapse is more prevalent than many people may realize. According to the journal Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within one year of treatment.”
While these statistics are rather staggering, they also help to show people struggling with relapse that they are not alone. Not everyone is going to be “successful” their first time going through treatment, but relapse is only a failure when an individual gives up. It is important to remember, “It’s now how we fall that defines us; it’s how we get back up.”
Also, once one has recovered from a relapse, it is important to establish a foundation to avoid another one in the future. This means gaining a better understanding of the signs and causes of relapse.
Understanding the Signs and Causes of Relapse
There are many causes for relapse, and in many instances, they can be pinpointed in very individualized ways. For example, an individual may cite an argument with their significant other as the cause of their relapse. Another person may blame being triggered by seeing someone else drinking or using.
However, the causes of relapse go much deeper than individual instances. It has to do with how connected one is to their treatment, their goals, and their recovery program. For example, that same person who cited an argument as their reason for relapse may also have stopped going to recovery meetings and talking to people in their recovery meetings. This gave them no “defense” when a hard situation arose, and they relapsed.
Also, being “triggered” in recovery is much more complicated when one is present in their recovery “one day at a time.” Focusing on recovery makes it much harder to focus on negative behaviors and act out on negative impulses.
Better Understanding Recovery Center Relapse Policies
Regardless of the exact details of a relapse policy, it is important to remember that it is put in place to keep all individuals safe and protect everyone’s sobriety. If an individual continues to relapse and creates a chaotic environment in the recovery center, it becomes harder for everyone to achieve their goals, and that simply is not fair.
Recovery centers will present their relapse policies upfront. Many of them make clear that they have a “one-chance” return policy where an individual is allowed to come back after they relapse as long as they show they are no longer actively using.
However, most recovery centers are willing to work with clients on a case-by-case basis and analyze each relapse situation individually. For example, if a relapse occurred outside of the recovery center and no alcohol or substances were brought inside to endanger others, there is a much greater likelihood of leniency. However, anytime one puts another individual’s sobriety and safety at stake, there is a reasonable chance that they will be asked to find help with another facility.
Respecting Relapse Policies and the Importance of Relapse Prevention Plans
The key is to remember that relapse policies are put in place to protect everyone, including the individual who relapses. That is why respecting these policies is so important.
Also, many relapse policies have the same foundation that many people use in their relapse prevention plans. These include rules about bringing alcohol or substances into a safe space, keeping healthy boundaries, and staying connected to a recovery community (such as attending and volunteering at 12-Step meetings).
Focusing on Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term recovery over short-term “fixes.” That is why our recovery plans also include the proper steps to keep taking post-treatment.
Recovery is a journey, and it is not always a linear one. Yes, some people will take that first step and keep walking the straight and narrow without much struggle. However, others may take a few side steps before finding their solid footing, which is okay. The most important part of the recovery journey is to keep going no matter what. Relapse or not that is what recovery success looks like.
All Recovery Centers have relapse policies about whether or not someone who relapses can return. It can be very beneficial to know the relapse policies of a recovery center when choosing where to go. Some of the more common policies are permitting a client to return after a relapse, denying a client’s return after multiple relapses, and not allowing a return after any relapses. Also, many recovery centers focus on relapse policies that go on a case-by-case basis. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and/or mental illness, we can help. For more information about relapse policies and relapse prevention, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
