What to Do If Your Loved One Relapses

Unfortunately, even after rehabilitation, your loved one may at some point have a relapse.

According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse 40-69% of people recovering from substance use disorders relapse. If your loved one has relapsed they may be experiencing feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. They may also feel that they are not strong enough to battle their addiction. Although these feelings are often a normal part of recovery from substance use disorder, they can create challenges.

What Causes a Relapse?

Understanding the triggers for relapse can help you prepare for them and help your loved one get back on the road to recovery. Triggers may include:

How to Help Your Loved One After a Relapse

If your loved one has gone through a relapse, don't panic. It's important that you understand what is going on so that you can be supportive.

"You have to be supportive. Relapse as bad as it is, it is part of the process and happens to most people," says Dr.Giuseppe Aragona, General Practitioner and Medical Advisor at Prescription Doctor M.D. "You have to make sure that what they are fighting for, is worth more than the addiction. Surround them, let them know what they have to support them. When people disown family members for addiction is when they are more likely to relapse. Be understanding and a part of their recovery. They will thank you for it."

If your loved one is struggling with an addiction, the most important thing you can do is communicate with them. Although the recovery journey has its ups and downs, let them know you are a safe space to communicate their genuine feelings.

Read more on: connect to care, addiction treatment recovery