One of the most challenging endeavors a parent may ever take is to get their child help for an addiction. It can be a tumultuous time for sure; one filled with anxiety, uncertainty, doubt, and even a bit of resentment. All of these feelings are both understandable and acceptable, and it is wholly healthy to express them. In this case, one of the most gratifying feelings may come from seeing a child successfully complete a treatment program and get their life back on track. However, as there is always the possibility of a relapse, what happens if your child relapses several times during their recovery journey? Before you get discouraged, please know that there are ways to successfully and healthily handle your daughter’s chronic relapsing.

The Prevalence of Relapse

When it comes to substance use disorder (SUD), it is essential to remember that addiction is a chronic disease. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “The chronic nature of addiction means that for some people relapse, or a return to drug use after an attempt to stop can be part of the process.” Also, “Relapse rates for drug use are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses.”

Relapse is also much more common than many people may think. According to a publication by authors Nicholas Guenzel and Dennis McChargue titled Addiction Relapse Prevention, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last four to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”

Now, two details may pop out based on these two observational statistics. One is that many treatment centers do not seem to be addressing the core issues and providing the proper aftercare needed to avoid relapses. Two is that relapse ultimately happens because addiction is a chronic disease, and unless constant vigilance and attention are taken, the potential for relapse remains around the corner.

Understanding Chronic Relapsing

It is important not to take away a pessimistic view regarding addiction recovery here. Yes, relapses can happen, and yes, some individuals experience chronic relapsing. However, relapse is certainly not a part of everybody’s journey. Also, it is vital to note that relapses, including continued relapses, are relatively preventable.

For some individuals, recovery takes longer. This is just the nature of addiction. Not everyone’s story is linear. Some people take side steps. Still, there is always a chance to take the next right step. For individuals who struggle with chronic relapsing, the next step is either creating a new release prevention plan or adjusting a previously set relapse prevention plan.

Creating an Effective Relapse Prevention Plan

Here’s the very blunt truth provided by NIDA: “If people stop following their medical treatment plan, they are likely to relapse.” Thus, sticking with a recovery plan is critical for those who often struggle with relapse.

One crucial aspect of an effective relapse prevention plan is accountability. This includes accountability to the family (especially the parents), to any therapists they are working with, and to other individuals in their recovery community. By holding individuals accountable, you are ensuring that they maintain active in their treatment plan.

Part of an effective relapse prevention plan also often includes creating safe and sober spaces. Now, this doesn’t simply mean not having alcohol or substances in the home (though that can be very important). It also means creating a space safe for communication and one that is void of judgment.

Chronic Relapsing: Progress Not Perfection

Remember, no one is perfect. This goes for everyone, not just those in recovery. People in recovery are going to make mistakes. They are human after all. Just because they have been given the tools in treatment doesn’t mean they are capable of implementing them into their lives at all times.

Life can be hard, and thus life in recovery can be hard too. It is important to understand that recovery is all about making the next right decision. As they often say in 12-Step programs, recovery is about “progress, not perfection.” The key is to keep looking forward to the future, never back at the wreckage of the past.

Here at Clearview, we understand that life is not about how you fall, but rather how you get back up. That is why at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we promote the practice of “life on life’s terms.” Yes, sometimes our students make mistakes. However, we know that love and tolerance are the answer, rather than judgment and retribution. Relapse never needs to be the end. With each day, there is always a chance for a new beginning.

While it certainly doesn’t have to be, relapse can be part of many people’s recovery journeys. No one’s journey is the same, and the journey is rarely linear. However, when an individual chronically relapses, it can be extremely disheartening. This is especially true for the parents of a daughter who is relapsing. However, even chronic “relapsers” can recover. Yes, sometimes relapse happens, but the goal is to continue moving forward and making adjustments to the recovery plan. If you feel like your daughter is struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), please know that you are not alone. We can help. For more information on relapse and relapse prevention plans, reach out to the Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.