Is Relapsing a Total Failure?
Relapsing Is Part of Recovery
Relapsing can be defined as going back to drug or alcohol abuse after a period of abstaining. Going through the treatment process can give you the tools needed to cope with difficult situations and emotions instead of turning to substances. However, relapse can still happen—and it should not be viewed as a failure, but rather a part of the process that can be worked through.
Common red flags that may precede a relapse include:
- Overconfidence in sobriety and not continuing treatment
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Irregular eating habits
- Neglecting physical activity—or overdoing it
- Excessive shopping or gambling
- Entering a new romantic relationship too soon
- Believing only one substance was the problem
- Expecting sobriety to be “easy”
Recognizing these signs early and having a relapse prevention plan in place is essential. Accountability and swift action can help you or a loved one regain control and continue the path to recovery.
Use Relapsing as a Learning Experience
Recovery involves rebuilding damaged relationships, healing personal trauma, and creating healthy habits. Relapse can feel like a step backward, especially when it occurs within the first 90 days of leaving treatment. But rather than viewing it as a failure, it should be approached as an opportunity for growth.
Relapse can reveal new triggers, emotional challenges, or unresolved trauma. It offers insight into what needs additional attention moving forward—empowering you to adjust your approach and strengthen your recovery.
Alter Your Treatment After Relapse
Relapse brings awareness to the areas that may have been overlooked during treatment. Adjusting your recovery plan is not only normal—it’s necessary. Effective strategies may include:
- Joining a support group
- Getting a sponsor
- Surrounding yourself with supportive people
- Increasing therapy or counseling
- Pursuing healthy hobbies like exercise or volunteering
- Reviewing your medications with a physician
Immediate action is key. Feeling ashamed or hiding your relapse can be harmful. Having a support system and clear plan in place helps you stay on track.
About Cliffside Malibu
Even with strong commitment to recovery, relapse can occur. Cliffside Malibu provides tools and support to help you respond effectively when it does. Our comprehensive outpatient services include sober coaching, aftercare planning, and continued therapy tailored to your needs.
Recovery is more than abstinence—it’s a lifestyle transformation. Relapse can help identify what was missing from your previous treatment and give you a renewed path forward.
Each patient is matched with one of the five stages of the Transtheoretical Model:
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
We use this model to guide personalized care plans that meet each individual where they are in their recovery journey. Our continuum of care includes:
- Medically supervised detox
- Residential treatment
- Day treatment
- Outpatient services
Services are provided in a supportive, structured environment for those with a primary diagnosis of substance or alcohol use disorder.
For more information, visit cliffsidemalibu.com.