Regarding recovery, many parents often ask, “What if my daughter relapses?” While it certainly isn’t part of everyone’s recovery story, the reality is that sometimes relapses happen. Unfortunately, relapses happen more than many people realize. According to Doctors Nicholas Guenzel and Dennis McChargue’s publication, Addiction Relapse Prevention, the incidence is startlingly high. They write, “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.”
Understanding the Unfortunate Realities of Relapse in Recovery
Yes, in recovery relapses happen. Not everyone’s recovery journey is the same, however. Some people have a very linear journey, while others take some side steps off of their path. These side steps represent a relapse, but as long as the next step is moving forward, there’s always a chance for continued recovery. The worst thing that can happen after a relapse is apathy. While being discouraged after a relapse is understandable, this discouragement doesn’t have to last long if the proper next steps are taken. Also, it may do us well to remember that a misstep is only a misstep if we don’t learn anything from it. That is the key to handling a relapse: learning from it and growing stronger.
What to Do if My Daughter Relapses?
If your daughter relapses, what should you do? The first thing to do is to assess the safety of the situation and react accordingly. While it is important not to panic, if your daughter is in immediate danger, it is critical to get appropriate help as soon as possible. A quick note on this: Always have the contact information of professional and clinical recovery services on hand in case of a relapse emergency. If your daughter relapses and is caught early, it is important to stay calm and connect with them on their level. Why did this happen? What were they feeling emotionally before they took the actual drink or substance? After all, recovery is a process, not an event. Perhaps she was even contemplating using substances for a while before acting. Now, of course, there is also a chance that your daughter will not be in the right state of mind due to intoxication when you confront her. If this is the case, it is best to ensure that she is safe and that any alcohol and/or substances are removed from her vicinity. Once she is sober, a real conversation can be had. Most likely that conversation should be about the next steps, such as a detox (if needed) or reaching back out to a recovery center. From there, it is best to take the advice of recovery professionals.
What to Avoid if My Daughter Relapses?
Perhaps one of the least productive things you can do if you discover that your daughter relapsed is to panic, have an outburst, or talk down to her. Remember, addiction is not a choice, it is a disease, and thus a relapse is not a choice but a symptom of the disease. However, another thing to avoid if your daughter relapses is to be too dismissive of it. This is true even if it was just a single event and they are immediately ready to get back on track. No, you don’t need to overreact, but you should react. Even if it is uncomfortable, a conversation should be had. This conversation should include discussing a new relapse prevention plan.
Creating an Effective Relapse Prevention Plan if My Daughter Relapses
According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, “Relapse prevention (RP) is a cognitive-behavioral approach with the goal of identifying and addressing high-risk situations for relapse and assisting individuals in maintaining desired behavioral changes.” The journal article also notes that “RP has two specific aims: Preventing an initial lapse and maintaining abstinence or harm reduction treatment goals [and] providing lapse management if a lapse occurs such that further relapses can be prevented.” That lapse management concept becomes crucial when amending a relapse prevention plan. This plan may include attending more recovery meetings or seeking a new recovery community. It may include expanding your daughter’s sober network. Also, it may include removing certain people, places, or things from your daughter’s life that may be triggering. The key to relapse prevention is to make changes and then stick to them.
Relapse Is Not the End; It’s a New Beginning: A Focus on Long-Term Recovery at Clearview
Here at Clearview, we understand how it can feel when you ask yourself, “Why did my daughter relapse?” and “What if my daughter relapses again?” The answer is that you should probably put one foot in front of the other and help her get better as soon as possible. Also, we’re going to be right here beside you the whole way as you do. That is our primary purpose and promise. While it is unfortunate, the truth is that relapse happens sometimes. However, as parents, we must understand that a relapse isn’t a failure and that getting back on the right track is easier if certain steps are taken right away. These steps include having a sober network handy and using it when the time comes. Also, creating a relapse prevention plan can be essential as well as a willingness to amend it if something isn’t working. If you feel like your daughter may be in danger of relapsing, we can help get her back on the right path of recovery. For more information on “the do’s and don’ts” of relapse reactions, please contact Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.
