Understanding the basics of addiction relapse prevention for loved ones is essential if you want to help someone maintain long-term sobriety. Whether you are a family member or a friend, you probably want to provide support for your loved one who is in recovery. After all, there is a significant amount of research that shows just how important it is for those battling addiction to have a support system.
However, recovery is not always an easy road. Addiction recovery is a continuous journey that requires ongoing support. Family members play a crucial role in this process by participating in therapy sessions and providing emotional support.
In order to be able to get help for someone you care about, you need to understand what recovery looks like, especially to reduce relapse risks.
Here, we will discuss addiction relapse prevention for loved ones, what this is, and how you can help.
What is a Relapse?
Relapse is a common occurrence in the treatment of substance use disorder. Despite what many people believe, a relapse is not an actual event — it is a process.
No matter the type of addiction your loved one is battling, a relapse will usually progress in three stages:
- Emotional: An emotional relapse is when the individual is struggling with the old emotions that led to the addiction in the first place.
- Mental: A mental relapse is when the individual returns to their old pattern of thinking and is torn between wanting to stay sober and not wanting to stay sober. In combination with an emotional relapse, this often leads to behavioral changes, such as not maintaining personal hygiene or other self-care practices.
- Physical: When a physical relapse occurs, this is the final stage as the individual returns to the substance they were previously abusing.
Because of these different stages, a relapse can occur over the course of a few weeks or even a few months.
Relapse Warning Signs
One of the main aspects of addiction relapse prevention for loved ones is recognizing relapse warning signs early. By recognizing these signs, you can react accordingly to get your loved one the help that they need.
Here are the common signs of an emotional and mental relapse:
- Concealing behavior
- Isolating from friends and family
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Skipping therapy and support group meetings
- Reconnecting with bad influences
- Fixating on the past
- Acting defensively
Learn more about the signs of addiction in a loved one.
Understanding the Dangers of Relapsing
Although it is possible for somebody to continue recovery after relapsing, frequent relapses can significantly hinder progress in treating substance use disorders. The more somebody relapses, the more likely they are to continue returning to those addictive behaviors.
Frequent relapses can also put a significant strain on their loved ones, making it harder to find the addiction treatment that they need. This is especially true for the families of addicts, as it can take a significant mental toll on them.
Addiction Relapse Prevention Plan For Loved Ones: How You Can Help
Even though relapses are serious, the good news is that the majority of addiction treatment programs have addiction relapse prevention methods in place. Understanding the addiction recovery process is crucial for providing effective support.
If you want to help your loved one maintain long-term recovery, here are some things you can do.
Encourage Support Groups
If you have an addict in your life who is in recovery, your main job is to be supportive. This involves addressing substance abuse in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner. You need to provide empathetic support that is completely judgment-free. Judgment encourages the social stigma around addiction and relapsing, which can cause your loved one to feel isolated when they cannot recover alone.
You will also need to find ways to be supportive without crossing the line and becoming controlling. Your loved one needs to feel as though they are supported and believed in, but you cannot hold their hand throughout the recovery process. Especially when they are struggling with triggers and temptations, they have to learn how to cope on their own.
Know the Signs
Even though you want to hope for the best, you also need to plan for the worst when you are supporting somebody with an addiction. Recognizing the signs of a relapse is an important part of understanding the addiction recovery process, so you need to know these signs to recognize them in your loved one.
Many people in recovery who are relapsing will feel a great deal of shame and guilt. Even if they need and want help, they may hesitate to ask for it because they feel like they are letting you down. The temptation may also be so strong that they actually want to relapse.
By recognizing the signs of relapsing, you can help your loved one reach out to a professional to get the help they need as soon as possible.
Offer Solutions
There is a very fine line between being supportive and being an enabler. To avoid becoming controlling and enabling bad behaviors when it comes to relapsing, you need to provide solutions by encouraging professional treatment options instead of just giving answers.
Offer to help your loved one with things like checking into an inpatient treatment program or a therapy group. Providing them with actionable solutions allows them to make healthy decisions for themselves so that they build confidence and remain accountable.
Be Active in Their Recovery
The main way you can help your loved one avoid relapsing is to take an active part in their recovery journey as family members. Most recovery programs strongly encourage family members and friends to do this. Loved ones play a vital role in a recovery plan by participating in therapy sessions and providing emotional support, which can significantly enhance the recovery process.
For example, you might want to focus on physical health issues and provide some encouraging ways for them to get back on track. You could also speak with their health team about signs of physical relapse, concerning withdrawal symptoms, or recurring negative beliefs, emotions, or feelings.
You also need to remember that recovery is a lifelong process. Your loved one is going to need your support and encouragement on a daily basis. It can also be helpful if you educate yourself on treatment improvement protocols. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of relapse and how you can help your loved one avoid it.
Managing Triggers and Emotions
Managing triggers and emotions is crucial for maintaining the sobriety of your loved one.
Here are some strategies for managing triggers and emotions:
- Identify emotional triggers: Identify emotional triggers that can lead to relapse, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Develop strategies for managing these emotions, such as meditation or deep breathing. Understanding and addressing emotional triggers can prevent a mental relapse stage from progressing.
- Identify environmental triggers: Identify environmental triggers that can lead to relapse, such as exposure to substances or people who use substances. Develop strategies for avoiding these triggers, such as avoiding certain places or people. Being aware of environmental triggers can help in creating a safer recovery environment.
- Develop coping strategies: Develop coping strategies for managing triggers and emotions, such as exercise, journaling, or talking to a therapist. Effective coping strategies can provide healthy alternatives to substance use.
- Practice self-care: Practice self-care by engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as yoga or meditation. Self-care is essential for caring for mental health and preventing relapse.
Supporting a Loved One After a Relapse
Supporting a loved one after a relapse can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, with the right approach, you can help them get back on the road to recovery.
Here are some steps you can take:
Stay calm and supportive
It’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Avoid being judgmental or critical, as this can push your loved one further away from recovery. Your calm demeanor can help them feel safe and understood.
Encourage participation in support groups
Support groups, such as AA or NA, can provide your loved one with a sense of community and accountability. Encourage them to attend meetings and participate in group discussions. Being part of a support group can help them feel less isolated and more understood.
Foster a supportive environment
Next, create a safe and supportive environment for your loved one to recover. This includes setting healthy boundaries, encouraging healthy habits, and providing emotional support. A nurturing environment can significantly impact their recovery journey.
Encourage ongoing treatment
It’s important to encourage your loved one to seek ongoing treatment, such as therapy or counseling. This can help them maintain their sobriety and prevent future relapses. Consistent professional treatment is key to long-term recovery.
Celebrate progress
Finally, celebrate your loved one’s progress and milestones. This can help motivate them to continue with their recovery journey. Recognizing their achievements, no matter how small, can boost their confidence and commitment to sobriety.
Help Your Loved One Achieve Long-Term Sobriety With My Time Recovery
Do you want to support a loved one as they navigate the challenges of long-term recovery? If so, you will need to understand the basic principles of addiction relapse prevention for loved ones, which can help you provide the support they need.
Understanding why relapses happen and how to prevent them is incredibly important for long-term recovery. Although the person with the addiction is the only person who can truly commit to this change, encouraging professional treatment is crucial in aiding their recovery.
Contact us today at My Time Recovery to learn more about addiction relapse prevention for loved ones and the treatment programs that can help.
