If you think that you’re a failure because you suffered a relapse after coming out of rehab, think again. We are here to tell you that a relapse is not the end of the world! Recovery from addiction can still be achieved with the right help and guidance. There are so many misconceptions about relapses that often make those who have suffered one, feel helpless and hopeless. In this article, we’ll dispel some of the most common myths of relapses and also, tell you what you can do to get back on the path of addiction recovery.
Myth #1 – Recovering Addicts ‘Choose’ To Use Drugs or Alcohol Again
Most times, the fact that a recovering addict has slipped back into their addiction has got nothing to do with ‘wanting’ to use the narcotic substance again. One of the most common reasons why recovering addicts relapse is the fact that they are simply unable to cope with the warning signs of it, which range from negative thinking, feeling sad and even having a lack of self-respect for themselves. When the recovering addict experiences this, they begin to think that their only way to deal with this pain is by using drugs and alcohol again. However, there are better ways to handle these warning signs.
Good quality addiction rehabilitation centers offer relapse prevention programs once treatment inside the clinic has been completed but in some cases the patient’s finances or medical aid do not cover this, meaning that lots of people who really need help, don’t actually get it. If a relapse prevention program is available however, make use of it.
Myth #2 – Relapse Means Failure
The fact that a recovering addict suffered a relapse doesn’t mean that treatment didn’t work. Relapse from addiction is a common occurrence and the risk of suffering one is at its highest during the early stages of recovery. In fact, the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) state that “there is evidence that approximately 90 percent of alcoholics are likely to experience at least one relapse over the 4-year period following treatment.” While this statistic may be alarming, it does not mean that relapses are a sign that treatment hasn’t worked. It’s often found that people who have suffered a relapse and get back on the addiction recovery path are much stronger and better prepared to stop it next time.
Myth #3 – Recovering Addicts Who Have Relapsed Cannot Be Helped
There will always be help available for recovering addicts who have suffered a relapse. In fact, now that the individual has relapsed, they have a better understanding of what caused it and how they can avoid the same thing happening in the future. One way to get help is to speak to your addiction counsellor about relapse prevention programs and find out how you can get access to one. Or why don’t you simply call us? If you or a loved one has suffered a relapse from addiction, we want to help. We provide access to only the best private addiction treatment centers in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Thailand. Call us now and let one of our qualified addictions counsellors find the best treatment for you or your loved one.
Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and supporting individuals in recovery world wide.