How To Help Someone Who Has Relapsed

Relapse is a challenging and often heart-wrenching aspect of the journey toward recovery from addiction. If someone you care about has recently relapsed, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions: confusion, disappointment, helplessness, or even anger. However, your support can be crucial in helping them regain their footing on the path to recovery. Here’s how you can effectively support someone after a relapse:

1. Offer Compassion, Not Judgment

It’s important to approach the situation with compassion and understanding. Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by potential relapses. Avoid judgmental language or expressions of disappointment, as these can increase feelings of guilt or shame for the person who has relapsed. Instead, reassure them of your support and emphasize the courage to continue recovering despite setbacks.

2. Encourage Professional Help

Encourage the person to reconnect with their therapist, counselor, or recovery group. If they don’t have a support network, help them find one. Professional guidance is crucial after a relapse, as it may indicate the need for a revised treatment plan or additional resources. Offer to help make appointments or provide transportation if necessary.

3. Reinforce the Importance of Treatment

Treatment plans after a relapse include therapy, medication, support meetings, or a combination of these. Remind them that recovery is a continuous process and encourage adherence to their treatment plan. If they express dissatisfaction with their current plan, support them in seeking a second opinion or exploring alternative options.

4. Listen and Provide Emotional Support

Be there to listen. Allow them to express their feelings and frustrations about the relapse without fear of judgment. Emotional support can significantly affect how they cope with the setback. Being heard can help alleviate feelings of isolation or despair.

5. Help Identify and Manage Triggers

Work together to identify potential triggers that led to the relapse. These could be specific people, places, stressful situations, or emotional states. Discuss future strategies to avoid or manage these triggers, such as developing healthier coping mechanisms or making changes in their environment.

6. Set Boundaries and Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone through relapse can be emotionally taxing. It’s crucial to set boundaries to prevent burnout. Be clear about what you can and cannot do, and maintain a healthy balance in your own life. Additionally, consider seeking support for yourself, either through counseling or support groups for friends and family of those with addiction.

7. Stay Hopeful and Encourage Small Steps

It’s vital to stay optimistic about recovery and emphasize that relapse does not mean failure. Celebrate small victories and progress, no matter how minor they may seem. This encouragement can boost their motivation and help them see the positive changes they are making.

8. Plan for the Future

Help them create a plan addressing potential scenarios that might lead to another relapse. A plan can make the individual feel more prepared and less anxious about the future. This could include having emergency contacts or predetermined steps to take if they feel at risk of another relapse.

9. Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Encourage the individual to engage in healthy habits that support overall well-being and resilience against addiction. This could include:

• Regular physical activity: Exercise can significantly boost mood and reduce stress, which is essential to maintaining recovery.
• Balanced diet: Proper nutrition can help stabilize mood and keep the body strong, which is crucial during recovery.
• Adequate sleep: Encouraging regular sleep patterns can improve mental health and decrease susceptibility to relapse.

Offer to participate in these activities with them, whether going for a morning walk, preparing a nutritious meal together, or establishing a bedtime routine promoting good sleep hygiene.

10. Create a Sober Environment

Help them avoid environments that are conducive to substance use. This might mean:

• Removing substances from the home: Ensuring that alcohol or drugs are not easily accessible can reduce temptation.
• Avoiding social situations where substances are present: Offer alternative social activities that do not involve drugs or alcohol.
• Creating a positive and supportive living situation could involve living with sober roommates or family members who support their recovery efforts.

11. Encourage Engagement in New or Forgotten Hobbies

Substance use can often take a central role in a person’s life, overshadowing hobbies and activities they once enjoyed. Encouraging them to rediscover old interests or develop new ones can provide a sense of purpose and joy that supports recovery. This could include creative arts, sports, learning new skills, or volunteering. These activities not only occupy time that might otherwise be spent in less constructive ways but also help rebuild self-esteem and identity outside of addiction.

12. Reinforce the Importance of Routine

Establishing a structured daily routine can help stabilize someone’s life during recovery. Routine reduces uncertainty and helps manage anxiety, which can trigger relapse. Work with them to develop a predictable schedule that includes time for work, hobbies, social activities, and relaxation. Routine can also help regulate the body’s natural rhythms, which supports better mental health.

Helping someone after a relapse requires patience, understanding, and a non-judgmental approach. Your support can make a profound difference in their recovery journey. Remember, relapse can be a part of the process, and it’s possible to emerge stronger on the other side. Always encourage open communication, professional guidance, and an optimistic outlook toward the lifelong recovery journey. Contact us if you or someone you know has experienced a relapse while recovering from addiction.