Addiction is a chronic condition, and relapse is considered part of recovery. Many people do so one or more times before finding long-term recovery. The less shame they have around it, the more likely they are to seek help and find sobriety again. A person whose cancer comes back is not shamed for it, and the same should be true for substance use disorders.
The chances of relapse significantly decrease the more time a person spends sober. 40-60% of people do so within the first year, but after two years, 60% of people remain substance-free. While relapse is always a possibility, by five years sober, the chances are considerably lower.
Some addiction treatment centers—like TruHealing Centers—offer relapse prevention programs. This is when a person works with a clinician to identify their triggers and practice effective ways of coping sober, so that they are less likely to pick up substances again when they leave treatment.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications to treat addiction, often in combination with behavioral therapy. Medications like Suboxone and Vivitrol help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which lowers the chance of drinking or using drugs again.
Relapse is nothing to be ashamed of and is part of many people’s recovery story. However, there are steps to take to minimize the risk of relapsing and build a life in long-term recovery.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you get and stay sober. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.