Some individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) have a more difficult time achieving and maintaining sobriety, and they may worry about attending treatment at Newport Beach Recovery Center if they have a history of relapse. We believe that people should not stop receiving treatment because they display symptoms of the disorder.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “More than anything, relapse may be a sign that more treatment or a different method is needed.” We work with clients to ensure they have access to personalized treatments. In cases of chronic relapse, we may refer clients to another program or facility that better addresses their needs.
What Are Our Policies About Relapse?
A relapse consists of physically abusing a substance after a period of abstinence. Most people who relapse use the substance more than once before anyone finds out about their actions. The choice to physically relapse indicates something missing from the therapeutic process. In some cases, it may also indicate that the person is not ready to actively engage in treatment and they may require a different approach.
We can alter the client’s treatment plan to address whatever underlying issue led them to fall back into maladaptive behaviors. Therapy, medication, and other treatment methods can help clients overcome ambivalence, cope with stressors, and establish healthy relapse prevention strategies. We believe in holding individuals accountable for their actions. However, we will never withhold help from people recovering from SUD.
Relapse and the Community
Our policies and procedures involving relapse are designed to support the entire community of individuals in recovery at Newport Beach Recovery Center. We provide clients who relapse or feel in danger of relapse the following:
- Additional emotional support
- A behavioral agreement that involves abstaining during treatment
- Education and skill development
- Increased monitoring including drug testing
Relapse is not a moral failing and it is not inevitable. Clients can take steps to prevent emotional or physical relapse. Our policies include client discharge in cases where they are disruptive, repeatedly relapse, or make no effort to change. We understand that ambivalence is a normal part of recovery. However, clients who actively work on their recovery can avoid relapse by openly communicating their needs and asking for help when they need it.
If you feel a desire to misuse substances during treatment, talk to your care team. They can help you cope with cravings or intrusive thoughts. We can provide you with additional support and resources to ensure you have all the tools you need to maintain your recovery.
Rejecting a No-Tolerance Policy
We do not have a no-tolerance policy regarding relapse. However, we prioritize the health and safety of each client and our care team. We consider how our decisions will affect everyone at Newport Beach Recovery Center, including the staff and management team. Ultimately, we have a solution-focused response when someone relapses or begins to feel ambivalent about treatment. In order to decrease the risk of relapse, we believe in identifying and addressing the root cause of those feelings.
What Can You Do to Avoid Relapse During Treatment?
You can lower your risk of relapse by taking care of your mind and body. Regular meals, quality sleep every night, staying hydrated, remaining active, and participating in therapy all contribute to your overall wellness. A clear mind and healthy body will increase your stress threshold and lower your risk of relapse. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), some of the most common factors that contribute to relapse include:
- Decreased self-efficacy
- Lack of coping skills or adaptability
- Ambivalence
- Loss of motivation
- Not enough emotional support
- Intense cravings
- A belief that substance misuse will provide emotional relief
The rehabilitation programs at Newport Beach Recovery Center address all of these issues. Clients have access to a dedicated care team, personalized support, and therapeutic services designed to stop these factors from impacting their treatment and sobriety.
When Do We Refer Clients to Another Level of Care?
We refer clients to a higher level of care if they relapse multiple times, and it becomes apparent that our program does not meet their needs. Clients may be referred to another facility for a short period and then transition back into one of our programs when they feel more confident in their ability to maintain sobriety during treatment. Our care team will collaborate with the client to ensure a smooth transition and decrease any stress related to transferring between levels of care. A physical relapse does not always mean instant referral, and we respond to these slip-ups on a case-by-case basis.
Everyone faces unique stressors and challenges during their recovery. Cravings and other symptoms may intensify during moments of acute stress causing a compulsion to relapse. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we believe that relapse or slipping back into old behaviors does not indicate any kind of moral failing. Our program can help you reprocess past traumas, establish healthy routines, develop essential life skills, and practice relapse prevention strategies. You are not your diagnosis. However, it will continue to affect you until you work through the underlying issues that have stopped you from healing. We can give you the tools you need to recover from substance use disorder. You are not destined to relapse, and we can help you find healthier coping techniques to manage your symptoms. To learn more about our treatment programs and the services we offer, call our office at (888) 850-0363.
