If you know someone who has struggled with addiction in the past and has relapsed, it can be disheartening for both parties. You both may feel like all the hard work they’ve done and perhaps you’ve supported them through is just lost. However, the reality is that relapse is more common in recovery than you may realize.
According to recent studies, as many as 40-60% of individuals relapse during recovery. That means that relapse is often a part of the recovery process. It doesn’t mean they’ve failed. And it doesn’t mean that they can’t do the work they need to do to continue on their recovery journey.
One of the most vital components of their continued sobriety journey is your support and understanding. It can make a significant difference in helping them get back on track. In this article, we’ll provide some practical tips you can use to answer the question, “how to help someone who relapsed.”
When you fully understand the nuances of relapse and how to help someone who has relapsed, you can play a crucial role in helping them move forward in recovery.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment in San Diego
Recognizing Relapse in Addiction Recovery
Recovery isn’t a linear path. And relapse is not a sudden event. Rather, it unfolds over time. It often starts with a change in emotional states or stress levels, gradually eroding coping strategies. When considering how to help someone who has relapsed, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of relapse.
Here are some tell-tale signs that someone you love is relapsing:
- Emotional Signs of Relapse
It’s normal for those in recovery to experience heightened stress, anxiety, or depression. This is especially true when faced with triggers from their past. If your loved one seems more irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed, they might be struggling with their recovery. Paying attention to their emotional state can help you gauge their well-being and readiness to talk about what they are feeling.
- Behavioral Signs of Relapse
While everyone’s journey through recovery differs, it is vital to notice behavioral changes. For example, people may become more secretive, withdraw from social circles, or change their routines. If you notice any of these behaviors, it may be time to chat with them about their recovery. - Physical Signs of Relapse
You definitely don’t want to overlook physical signs of relapse. These may include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or personal hygiene. If you observe any of these changes, it’s important to approach the situation delicately. Ensure you express your concern without judgment to encourage open dialogue.
Supporting Someone Through a Relapse
So, how do you support someone who relapses? It takes patience, understanding, and a nonjudgmental approach. Don’t tell them everything they’ve done “wrong” or that they’ve “undone” all their hard work. Instead, be compassionate and genuinely listen to them as they confide in you.
Here are some helpful tips to help support someone in your life who has relapsed into old substance use habits:
Listen Actively
Listening to someone who relapses goes beyond hearing what they’re saying. Supporting someone in this situation requires active listening. This is the practice of giving someone your full, undivided attention and genuinely trying to understand what they tell you. That means you must show interest, ask questions, and remain undistracted. (Put your phone down!)
Do your best not to interrupt them. Let them speak freely and openly about their struggles and emotions. Validate their feelings by acknowledging their difficulties and say things like, “That sounds really hard.” This shows that you are really and truly listening to them and that you care.
Be Compassionate and Understanding
Yes, we’ve said it before, but it’s essential when supporting someone who has relapsed. They are very likely to feel ashamed and guilty. So, telling them you’re disappointed or angry can make them feel worse, leading them not to want to confide in you.
Instead, let them know you care about them and are there to support them through their recovery, including any relapses.
Encourage Open Communication and Honesty
When someone is struggling with addiction, they often hide it out of shame. If they go through addiction treatment and then relapse, they may try to hide it again. However, encouraging open and honest communication gives them a safe space to heal and continue on their recovery journey. When you talk with them about it, try to choose a calm and private setting where you can speak openly.
Honesty is paramount on both your parts. To encourage your loved one to share their honest struggles, be honest about your concern for them without criticizing or judging them. Let them know you care and want to help.
Focus on Solutions Rather than the Relapse
When talking with your loved one, remember that they already know they’ve relapsed, so don’t focus on the problem. Instead, focus on finding helpful solutions. Encourage discussions about the steps they can take to get back on track. These may include seeking professional help, attending support groups, or revisiting coping strategies.
By shifting the focus toward recovery and healing, you can empower them to take proactive steps while reinforcing their ability to overcome this setback.
Encourage Professional Help
While your support and understanding are essential, the guidance of a trained professional can offer the expertise needed to navigate recovery effectively. Gently suggest they reach out to a therapist or support group. If they didn’t receive outpatient addiction treatment in San Diego, encourage them to contact BOLD Health.
Of course, it’s important to respect their autonomy in this decision. While you can encourage them to seek help, ultimately, the choice is theirs. If they express reluctance or fear, listen to their concerns without dismissing them. Reassure them that seeking help is beneficial for many in recovery. Your support can help them feel more comfortable making the decision to seek professional help.
Need Additional Help? Contact BOLD Health for Outpatient Addiction Treatment in San Diego.
We get it. Addiction is tough to beat. But it’s 100% possible. At BOLD Health, we understand how challenging it is when someone is struggling with addiction and when they relapse, and we can help! We provide comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment through our rehab in San Diego, tailored to each individual. Whether your loved one has recently relapsed or is struggling with their recovery, our addiction experts are here for them (and you!)
Our rehab in San Diego includes several different levels of treatment, including:
- detox
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
- medication management
- intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Rest assured, wherever they are in their recovery journey, we can help them remain on the path to long-term sobriety. Contact us to learn more about our options for outpatient addiction treatment in San Diego.