What to Do Immediately After a Relapse

Many people with substance use disorder (SUD) experience relapse. However, relapse is not an inevitable part of recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Relapse rates for drug use are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses.” Individuals who “stop following their medical treatment plan [. . .] are likely to relapse.” The minutes, days, and hours following a relapse are critical for individuals with SUD. How a person reacts to relapse often has a profound impact on their future sobriety and ability to avoid returning to chronic substance abuse. West Coast Recovery Centers offers relapse prevention education and crisis management strategies to help clients recover after a relapse. 

Successfully Managing the Emotional Fallout After a Relapse

The emotional fallout after a relapse can cause some people to spiral and fall back into maladaptive coping behaviors. Avoiding additional relapse and regaining emotional stability allows people to get back on track with their recovery. Often, people feel ashamed, guilty, or afraid of the consequences of a relapse. Not knowing how their loved ones or care team might react or not wanting to let people down can cause emotional turmoil. 

West Coast Recovery Centers believes in providing support and guidance. Relapse is not inevitable or a defining moment in a person's recovery. A physical relapse is a symptom of a disease and not a character flaw. The care team encourages clients to be honest about relapse to ensure they receive the support they need to recover from it and move forward in their recovery journey. 

Acknowledge the Situation, Seek Support, and Move Forward

Moving forward after a relapse involves accepting the situation and utilizing support networks or other resources to get back on track. For example, after a person with alcohol use disorder (AUD) relapses from drinking, they can reach out to a loved one, sponsor, peers, or clinicians to let them know what happened and request help. Seeking support helps people focus and feel more in control of their situation. 

Relapse prevention plans often include steps people can take if they experience a relapse. Following those steps provides structure and accountability. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “Within the relapse process, there are many opportunities for the individual to intervene, reengage with recovery-oriented behaviors, and get back on track with recovery.” West Coast Recovery Centers provides clients with comprehensive strategies for avoiding and coping with relapse. 

Getting Help Directly After a Relapse

People in recovery should not wait to get help after a relapse. Minutes can make the difference between successfully recovering from a relapse or experiencing severe side effects, including overdose or death. 

A few ways people can get help include:

• Calling someone in their support system
• Reaching out to a crisis line
• Asking someone nearby for help 
• Calling 9-1-1 

During a relapse, people often feel disoriented, and the effects of substances may interfere with their ability to function. Creating a relapse prevention or management strategy with a therapist or other member of the care team can reduce the risk of overdose in cases of relapse by ensuring people know what to do directly after a relapse. 

Next Steps After Reaching Out for Help

Some individuals who relapse experience an overdose due to physical changes caused by detox. People with opioid use disorder (OUD) have an increased risk of experiencing an overdose. According to the previously mentioned article by the VA, “Those who abstained from opioids, even for a relatively short period of time, are at increased risk for accidental overdose.” 

After an opioid relapse, people should monitor their physical reactions for signs of an overdose, including:

• Slowed breathing 
• Choking 
• Pale or blue skin 
• Slowed heartbeat 
• “Pinpoint” pupils 

Every substance has different potential side effects and overdose symptoms. After a relapse, getting treated and seen by a medical professional is essential. If someone is concerned about their physical reaction to a relapse, they should call 9-1-1 immediately. 

West Coast Recovery Centers Ensures Clients Know What to Do After a Relapse

Nearly half of all people in recovery experience a relapse. According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, “Statistics indicate that 40% to 60% of people with addiction will experience a relapse.” 

The care team prepares clients to cope with a relapse by doing the following: 

• Ensuring they have someone to contact in a crisis 
• Providing them with stress management skills 
• Choosing several forms of self-care during crisis moments 
• Ensuring they have contact information for crisis hotlines and other resources 

Meanwhile, West Coast Recovery Centers helps clients create a safety plan unique to their circumstances and triggers.

Crisis Management Strategies

Clients in treatment create several comprehensive safety plans for managing a relapse. During a relapse, confusion or anxiety may interfere with a person's ability to make decisions. Having detailed strategies for coping during a crisis helps people stay focused and safe. 

Examples of crisis management strategies or safety plans include: 

• Contacting someone for help 
• Breaking down the situation to make it less overwhelming 
• Using coping skills to decrease emotional distress 

West Coast Recovery Centers encourages clients and alumni to contact the care team if they experience a relapse and need support. 

Relapse is a reality of substance abuse recovery for some people. The first minutes and days after a relapse often determine the direction of a person's recovery. Clients create safety strategies to ensure they know how to get help and support directly after a relapse. Seeking help immediately is the best way to avoid an overdose or other severe side effects of relapse. West Coast Recovery Centers provides clients with relapse prevention and crisis management strategies. Clients are supported throughout their recovery and build relationships with the care team, making it easier for them to reach out for support before or after a relapse. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (760) 492-6509.