Why Rehab May Take More than One Attempt

Why Rehab May Take More than One Attempt

Many people enter rehab more than once, because they are attuned to themselves and committed to sobriety

People who believe they can lead sober lives in recovery after one bout of treatment may have unrealistic expectations. Recovery is a lifelong commitment that requires close attention and dedication, and the high relapse rates associated with drug use argue that maintaining sobriety is an extremely difficult task. In reality, you may relapse, but how you handle it is an important decision that needs attention. Many people enter rehab more than once, because they are attuned to themselves and committed to sobriety. Admitting that you relapsed and need help is a step in the right direction.Many people enter rehab because they abused a particular substance, so they leave treatment prepared for a sober lifestyle. However, they may experience a significant event that spirals their emotions out of control; without effective treatment, they may resort to a different substance to assuage the anguish of their problems. As a result, they may need integrated treatment to deal with both a mental health disorder and the associated substance abuse.

Recognizing the Risks of Relapse

All addicts who complete rehab know they must be vigilant against any thoughts, feelings or behaviors that put them at risk for relapse. Your own path toward relapse may be initiated by a mental, emotional or physical set of circumstances, so learn about yourself to anticipate your drug cravings.

Emotional Factors of Relapse

If you experience trauma, you may experience a variety of emotions, including anxiety, intolerance, anger, defensiveness and mood swings. In response to these problems, you may become isolated, resist help, avoid meetings and disregard your dietary and sleep needs.

Mental Factors of Relapse

To deal with the pain of emotional factors, you may spend more time alone, which can invite mental factors to encourage relapse. When you are idle in your recovery, you may start to think about people, places and things you associate with drug use. In fact, you may even lie, hang out with old friends or fantasize about drug use. When emotional and mental factors combine, you are heading toward relapse.

Acknowledge Relapse to Address It

It will take all of the skills you learn in rehab, as well as affirmation of your sobriety, to acknowledge that you have relapsed. Now is not the time to turn the tide on your own, but to seek help from either your previous treatment program or another.

Get Help for Relapse

Admitting to relapse means you need help, and probably should reenter treatment. However, you may be feeling frustrated and alone, so please call our toll-free helpline today. Our admissions coordinators are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you have about treatment for drug addiction and relapse.