Recognizing Relapse Warning Signs

Just as an individual’s specific addiction relapse triggers are unique to them and their experiences, warning signs that your loved one has relapsed depend on a number of unique personal factors. However, noting one or more of the following common warning signs can be a strong indicator that a stage of relapse has occurred or is imminent:

Dishonesty. Little white lies are one thing, but if your loved one seems to continually be lying to you about things like whether or not they went to therapy, where they are spending all their time (or money), or why they never seem to come to the weekly family dinner anymore, this can be a sign that they are trying to hide a relapse.
Overconfidence. While it’s important for your loved one to feel confident in their own ability to recover from addiction, overconfidence can be dangerous and a common sign of relapse. This supposed period of improvement could be them trying to overcompensate for something. If they start talking about quitting treatment or giving up on certain parts of their aftercare plan because they “just feel better” or don’t feel like they need to anymore, this can indicate that they are no longer actively pursuing their long-term recovery goals and may be at risk for relapse.
Neglecting personal hygiene. Poor self-care practices, such as forgetting to wash their hair, refusing to take a shower, not brushing their teeth, or wearing the same clothes for days is nearly always a sign that something is wrong and that they are potentially in the middle of a mental relapse—if not relapse, then perhaps some other negative experience that may trigger a relapse.
Reviving old (negative) connections. If your loved one is spending time with the people they used to use with or hanging out in the same places in which they used to use, this can be a strong indicator that they are in a stage of relapse, or the mental relapse has already occurred—especially if they try to hide that they are spending their time thus.
Self-imposed isolation. Social withdrawal from positive relationships and neglecting or avoiding social connections, in general, isn’t merely a relapse warning sign—it can also occur as a result of the guilt and shame your loved one may feel if they’ve already had an emotional relapse.
Significant change in attitude. Bad days are a natural part of the process of recovery. But if your loved one seems to be experiencing distinct stages of negative feelings, like feelings of anxiety or sadness, and other possible signs of decreasing mental health, over an extended period of time, they may be at risk for a relapse. Similarly, mood swings, increased irritability, and other sudden marked changes in attitude can indicate either a risk of relapse or that they’ve already been in the throes of mental relapse. Even strong positive feelings, if it’s extreme or seems to come out of the blue, can be a sign that they are experiencing the highs of using again. It’s important to keep an eye on their emotional health, alongside their mental and physical health, as any changes to them can be indicative of something bigger going on.
Significant change in behavior. If your loved one starts repeatedly skipping school, “forgetting” appointments, acting out, or simply acting contrarily to their usual character, a significant change in behavior is often one of the most pronounced warning signs of relapse. This is especially true if there is a marked change in eating or sleeping habits.

The best way to recognize a potential sign of relapse is to listen to your sober support system and loved ones. It's all too easy to write off red flags as something temporary or innocuous, but ignoring a potential relapse will only make recovery harder in the long run. If it feels like something is wrong, then something probably is wrong.

Don't panic if the warning signs above sound all familiar. Even if your loved one is already on the cusp of relapse, there is still hope for recovery, both in the short and long term.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

The success of a person’s recovery depends on the level of personalized treatment provided. It is important to find an addiction treatment program that works. When we say our treatment is individualized, we mean that we craft a program that is tailored to address the client’s unique physical, mental and emotional needs.

In the client’s first 24 hours with us, we’ll evaluate their current state and work to understand what challenges they need to overcome. They’ll also have an initial session with our doctor and meet with one of our licensed mental health professionals.

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:

Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
Creating a support system.
Developing healthy stress management techniques.
Eliminating Substance use.
Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Repairing damaged relationships.

Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Admissions

What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.

What Should I Bring?

What to Expect?

Why Transformations by the Gulf?

by Tammy Cate

Florida Alcohol and Drug Relapse Prevention

How Do I Prevent Relapse or Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan?

Transformations by the Gulf has created a Recovery and Wellness Program to help address concerns that come with the transition between leaving inpatient treatment and entering the next phase in the recovery process.
Patients in our outpatient program are also able to continue seeing the same doctors and psychiatric providers once they return home.
We believe that taking this approach will lead to increased long-term sobriety rates and will allow us to monitor its impact on our patients and their road to recovery.

Transformations by the Gulf Florida Substance Abuse Treatment Approach to Relapse

At Transformations by the Gulf, we recognize that relapse rates are abysmal and something that we want to work to change. Florida Alcohol and Drug Relapse Prevention Plans are needed. The standard relapse prevention groups and work has not been successful for the majority of individuals struggling with addiction. We have made many changes to our program experience in helping individuals identify behaviors that can lead to relapse. After we have identified the behaviors, we help clients not only develop coping skills but actually practice those skills. May treatments fail to help patients practice implementing coping skills, so when a relapse is about to happen individuals do not know which coping skills will help and thus often times can fail. This is one of the leading causes to relapse post treatment.

Florida Alcohol and Drug Relapse Prevention is important. As part of our program, we have patients complete relapse prevention plans related to substance addiction while also having them identify areas where they might fall into other addictive patterns once they return home. Many individuals with addictive personalities achieve initial sobriety from drugs and alcohol but begin exercising compulsively, restricting food, overeating, working 80 hours per week, or engaging in compulsive sexual behaviors. Engaging in any of these behaviors often leads to relapse on substances while also causing issues in their personal lives, just like their substance use issues did.

We also recognize that many patients successfully complete inpatient treatment but then do not complete recommended intensive outpatient treatment, do not attend medical follow-up appointments, and do not remain medication compliant. All of these behaviors often lead to relapse, and patients are additionally losing the structure, accountability, and medical care that assisted them in succeeding in inpatient care. When discussing reasons why alumni did not engage in follow-up care, we learned that there were common reasons. These included not wanting to tell their story to a new doctor or therapist and difficulty finding doctors to refill their medications. Therefore, Transformations created a Recovery and Wellness Program to help address these concerns, so they are not a barrier to sobriety.

Patients who attend the intensive outpatient program will live off site whether it's at community housing provided by Transformations or it's at home. While in Transformations by the Gulf's IOP program they will meet with a therapist once a week still from Transformations. We will then begin helping the client find the right therapist to see once treatment has been completed so they can continue care from home.

Patients in our inpatient settings will also have access to individual or family sessions per week. This allows for greater processing of the issues that contributed to their addiction and increased family involvement. We recognize that if a patient returns home to the same environment without engaging in therapy with their loved ones, they will often relapse. We believe that taking this approach will lead to increased long-term sobriety rates and will allow us the ability to monitor its impact on our patients and their road to recovery.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:

Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
Creating a support system.
Developing healthy stress management techniques.
Eliminating Substance use.
Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Repairing damaged relationships.

Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Psychology Today or check out or page on addiction treatments.

Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Admissions

What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.

What Should I Bring?

What to Expect?

Why Transformations by the Gulf?

by Tammy Cate

What to Expect When Marrying a Recovering Addict

What to Expect When Getting Married to a Recovering Addict

Marrying a person who is recovering from drug or alcohol use requires some awareness. It doesn't have to be a
marriage deal breaker, but you may want to consider some additional things before starting or ending a
relationship with a former drug addict. There is a stigma attached to the disease of addiction, but many people
recover and find ways to live a sober life.

Benefits and Challenges of Marrying a Recovering Drug Addict

A person who works hard toward sobriety may be healthier than individuals who have never experienced addiction.
Recovery requires an individual to become self-aware through therapy and treatment. They are often active in 12-step
programs and closely involved in continuing care.

A person in recovery may attend regular therapy sessions and should understand how to practice healthy coping
strategies to stay sober. A past addiction combined with healthy lifestyle changes can lead to incredible growth if a
person does the work to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Marrying someone who attends therapy and works on their mental and physical health can lead to a very healthy
relationship. However, marrying a person recovering from substance use can also present challenges for both people in
the relationship. Remember that relapse is always possible at any stage of recovery, and it is up to the person in
recovery to do the work necessary to prevent relapse.

A person recovering from substance use may experience the following:

Irritability
Isolating behaviors
Substance cravings
Mental health challenges
Health complications caused by past drug use
Disinterest in new experiences, hobbies or their partner
Vulnerability to other addictions such as sex or gambling addiction

How to Help Your Significant Other Through Addiction Recovery

You could someday find yourself wondering how to support a significant other through addiction recovery. You may begin
marrying an addict, start a relationship with someone who relapses later or discover your spouse becoming addicted to
drugs years into a marriage.

Get Support Today

In any of these situations, you must remember that your mental and physical health are critical. You cannot heal,
"fix" or force your partner through recovery. However, if it is safe to do so, you can offer support as they do the
recovery work they need to do. You can help your partner through addiction recovery in the following ways:

Learn About the Signs of Addiction and Avoid Enabling

Eliminating or reducing the consequences of another person's unwanted or unhealthy behaviors is enabling. Even if you
enable your partner's behavior with good intentions, it can significantly harm them, yourself and the relationship. Eliminating repercussions encourages a person to continue unhealthy behaviors.

If your significant other manipulates you or others, lies to you or asks you to lie for them because they are using a
substance, it's important to avoid enabling them. Let them experience the consequences of their actions, and let them
know that you do not accept their behavior. Learn the signs of addiction so you recognize when they occur, and encourage your partner to seek help when they exhibit these signs.

Set Boundaries in the Relationship

Boundaries matter in any relationship, but they are essential when you are in a relationship involving past drug
addiction. Let your significant other know what your boundaries and expectations are, and plan what you will do if
they cross your boundaries. You may need to say "no" at times, and you may need to walk away if their actions affect
your mental or physical health.

Remember That You Are Not Responsible for Their Actions

Only your significant other is responsible for their actions, and you cannot control their behaviors. Maintain a
healthy mindset by remembering that you are not responsible for your loved one. While you can show your support for
them, you must also realize that they are responsible for themselves.

Seek counseling or therapy if you feel stressed or overwhelmed trying to control or "fix" your partner. Remember that
it is not your fault if they relapse or struggle in their recovery.

Attend Couples Counseling

Attending couples counseling is an excellent way to maintain a healthy relationship. A therapist can help you and your
partner set healthy boundaries, develop healthy communication skills and recognize any issues you need to address.
Attending therapy separately and alone can help you care for your mental health, and it can help your partner care for
their mental health as well.

Seek Help if Needed

If your loved one relapses, it can affect your mental health. Seek help from a professional such as a therapist if
your significant other's addiction affects you in the following ways:

Sleeplessness
Poor concentration
Constantly worrying about your significant other
Weight changes due to overeating or not eating enough
Feelings of sadness, depression, hopelessness, anger or rage
Inconsistent or poor relationships with your friends and family

When to Consider Leaving a Partner

Past addiction doesn't have to be an absolute deal breaker. However, some situations can lead to an unhealthy
relationship. If your partner experiences a relapse and refuses treatment, or you find yourself enabling unhealthy
behavior from your partner, you may need to consider leaving the relationship.

Staying Healthy When Marrying Someone Recovering From Addiction

It can be easy to focus on your partner's health and well-being when they are recovering from drug or alcohol
addiction. However, you must take care of yourself and focus on your well-being. Self-care is necessary to help you
stay healthy, cope with stress and prevent negative reactions to future stress.

While you can support your partner in healthy ways, it's also important to practice self-care in the following ways:

Eat healthily
Take time to exercise
Set healthy boundaries
Rest and get enough sleep each night
Care for your mental health through therapy, meditation or support groups
Maintain healthy relationships with friends and family outside your romantic relationship

Relapses: When to Talk About Additional Treatment Options

For you and your significant other to have a healthy relationship, your partner must have a strong relapse prevention
plan. They should be taking healthy steps to abstain from drugs and alcohol. These steps can include a 12-step program, therapy, healthy coping strategies and healthy lifestyle habits. You and your partner can pursue and maintain a healthy relationship if they do the work necessary to recover and maintain sobriety.

Relapse is always possible in recovery, and 40% to 60% of individuals in recovery will experience a relapse. Your partner should have a plan in place in case relapse occurs. To be prepared, they can list potential rehabilitation and treatment programs to contact if they relapse. If your partner uses any amount of a substance during recovery, they must seek treatment as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:

Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
Creating a support system.
Developing healthy stress management techniques.
Eliminating Substance use.
Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Repairing damaged relationships.

Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Admissions

What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.

What Should I Bring?

What to Expect?

Why Transformations by the Gulf?

by Tammy Cate

Pursue Addiction treatment in St. Petersburg

7 Tips for Helping Someone you're Dating with an Addiction

Here are 7 Tips for Helping Someone you're Dating with an Addiction. The challenge with addiction is that the addict is not the only one impacted by this disease. Family and friends can have difficulty with the addict’s behavior, financial problems, legal problems and the daily struggle of supporting trying to find healthy balance. Sometimes dating an addict can be difficult. Here are seven tips that family and friends can reference to support an addicted family member or friend.

Tip #1: Educate Yourself

Get information about addictions. Understand the addict’s disease process. Find information about how it impacts the family and friends. Knowledge is power and it may help you understand more about yourself and your loved one. There are many resources for finding this information: SAMHSA.gov (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) has all types of educational and informational resources. The public library and the internet have an enormous amount of information for education, groups, support, treatment, etc.

Tip #2: Get Support

When you have a loved one with an addiction problem, it can create a great deal of difficulty in your life. There are groups that can help you learn how to cope, provide resources and help the addict, including:

Al-Anon (focused on Alcohol addiction)
Nar-Anon (focused on drug addiction – prescription and illegal)

Tip #3: Get Counseling

It may be helpful to get some individual counseling to assist yourself. Counseling isn’t just for the alcoholic or addict. The more you are able to manage the better you will be able to help your loved one. There are a variety of resources to find counselors. Your company may have an Employee Assistance Program, or your health insurance may have mental health benefits that you can access. Talk to someone you trust about finding the resources you need and do a search for resources in your area.

Tip #4: Seek Specialty Help

If you need assistance with financial issues or legal issues it may be helpful to talk to attorney providers that are covered. There are organizations that provide services on a sliding scale fee, and you can often find those by calling your local Mental Health Agency or United Way. Local churches may also provide some low or no cost counseling.

Tip #5: Don’t Enable

It is difficult for family members when the disease takes hold. Often, family members have supported the person’s addiction without even fully realizing that was what they were doing. Don’t rescue the addict. Let them experience the consequences of their disease. Many times, people are unable to change until they are forced. Don’t financially support the addict or their addiction. Many family members and friends buy groceries, give financial assistance to pay court fines or attorneys, or pay rent to help someone out, but usually it only prolongs the disease as addicts are able to avoid consequences.

Tip #6: Have Realistic Expectations

Don’t preach or lecture to the addict. They are usually unable to hear what you are saying. Continue to hold them accountable to expectations and offer help to direct them to the treatment they need. Don’t expect addicts to keep promises, they are not able to do so while in the process of their disease. Don’t react with pity or anger. This only keeps you in the process with the addict.

If your loved one is ready to get help, visit our Alcohol and Drug Treatment page to find out more about getting a referral and assessment. You can also contact Legal Aid programs in your area to see if you qualify for those services or they may be able to direct you to someone who can assist you.

If you have insurance and just want to get information about pricing, give us a call 24/7

Tip #7: Take Care of Yourself

Focusing on your own life is the most important thing you can do to assist the addict. If you are stressed out due to their issues, in addition to your own, it creates resentment and strain. It makes it difficult to want to help someone who has created so much difficulty in your life. By taking care of yourself through exercising, getting plenty of sleep, socializing and getting support, you may be better able to help your loved one when they are ready to accept the help.

The most important thing to remember is that you aren’t alone. Many people battle with these issues every day and it is vital to get the resources and support you need.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:

Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
Creating a support system.
Developing healthy stress management techniques.
Eliminating Substance use.
Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Repairing damaged relationships.

Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Admissions

What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.

What Should I Bring?

What to Expect?

Why Transformations by the Gulf?

by Tammy Cate

What to Expect When Dating a Recovering Addict

Dating a person who is recovering from drug or alcohol use requires some awareness. It doesn't have to be a
relationship deal breaker, but you may want to consider some additional things before starting or ending a
relationship with a former drug addict. There is a stigma attached to the disease of addiction, but many people
recover and find ways to live a sober life.

How do I make the first step to getting someone help?

It's hard to watch a loved one suffer from addiction, especially when they deny there's a problem or refuse to get help. Often, a well-intentioned friend or family member trying to force the situation can end up making it worse. When you're ready to sit down and speak with your loved one, avoid sounding condescending or judgmental. Instead, let them know that you're aware of the problem and offer your support. Outline their options for treatment and encourage them to seek help.

We are available to answer any questions you may have about the treatment process or getting your loved one prepared to enter our treatment center. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you play have, just give us a call:

Call us at (727)498-6498
Email us at info@transformationsbythegulf.com

Benefits and Challenges of Dating a Recovering Drug Addict

Dating someone who attends therapy and works on their mental and physical health can lead to a very healthy
relationship. However, dating a person recovering from substance use can also present challenges for both people in
the relationship. Remember that relapse is always possible at any stage of recovery, and it is up to the person in
recovery to do the work necessary to prevent relapse.

A person recovering from substance use may experience the following:

Irritability
Isolating behaviors
Substance cravings
Mental health challenges
Health complications caused by past drug use
Disinterest in new experiences, hobbies or their partner
Vulnerability to other addictions such as sex or gambling addiction

How to Help Your Significant Other Through Addiction Recovery

You could someday find yourself wondering how to support a significant other through addiction recovery. You may begin
dating an addict, start a relationship with someone who relapses later or discover your spouse becoming addicted to
drugs years into a marriage.

Get Support Today

Learn About the Signs of Addiction and Avoid Enabling

Set Boundaries in the Relationship

Remember That You Are Not Responsible for Their Actions

Seek counseling or therapy if you feel stressed or overwhelmed trying to control or "fix" your partner. Remember that
it is not your fault if they relapse or struggle in their recovery.

Attend Couples Counseling

Seek Help if Needed.

If your loved one relapses, it can affect your mental health. Seek help from a professional such as a therapist if
your significant other's addiction affects you in the following ways:

Sleeplessness
Poor concentration
Constantly worrying about your significant other
Weight changes due to overeating or not eating enough.
Feelings of sadness, depression, hopelessness, anger or rage
Inconsistent or poor relationships with your friends and family

When to Consider Leaving a Partner

Past addiction doesn't have to be an absolute deal breaker. However, some situations can lead to an unhealthy
relationship. If your partner experiences a relapse and refuses treatment, or you find yourself enabling unhealthy behavior from your partner, you may need to consider leaving the relationship. What to Expect When Dating a Recovering Addict.

Staying Healthy When Dating Someone Recovering from Addiction

It can be easy to focus on your partner's health and well-being when they are recovering from drugs or alcohol.
addiction. However, you must take care of yourself and focus on your well-being. Self-care is necessary to help you.
stay healthy, cope with stress and prevent negative reactions to future stress.

While you can support your partner in healthy ways, it's also important to practice self-care in the following ways:

Eat healthily.
Take time to exercise.
Set healthy boundaries.
Rest and get enough sleep each night.
Care for your mental health through therapy, meditation or support groups
Maintain healthy relationships with friends and family outside your romantic relationship.

Relapses: When to Talk About Additional Treatment Options

For you and your significant other to have a healthy relationship, your partner must have a strong relapse prevention plan. They should be taking healthy steps to abstain from drugs and alcohol. These steps can include a 12-step program, therapy, healthy coping strategies and healthy lifestyle habits. You and your partner can pursue and maintain a healthy relationship if they do the work necessary to recover and maintain sobriety.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as:

Addressing and Identifying root causes of addiction.
Creating a support system.
Developing healthy stress management techniques.
Eliminating Substance use.
Learning how to communicate emotions effectively.
Maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Repairing damaged relationships.

Are you struggling with addiction and want to learn more? Visit Yelp to read our reviews or check out our page on addiction treatments.

Our Facility is near the beach and offers a comfortable setting for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Admissions

What a Day is Like in Our Treatment Facility.

What Should I Bring?

What to Expect?

Why Transformations by the Gulf?

by Transformations By The Gulf

Supporting Your Loved One During Relapse

A relapse is when someone with a substance use disorder stops maintaining their sobriety after recovery. Some people believe that relapse is a sign that someone will fall back into drug abuse, but you can prevent further damage by catching a relapse early.

If your loved one is going through a relapse, you can do things to support them during this time. Below, we'll guide you through some of the common causes of relapse, how to support your loved one and when you should consider seeking professional help.

Why Did My Loved One Relapse?

Relapse is a common occurrence in someone struggling with and recovering from addiction. About 40%-60% of people who have substance use disorders experience relapse as part of their recovery process. A relapse does not mean that addiction treatment has failed. If your family member has experienced a relapse, there are many reasons this can happen.

People who have struggled with addiction have triggers, which are situations or instances that spur a craving, inducing an urge to use a substance. While addiction treatment and professional help can provide your loved ones with healthy coping skills to overcome these urges, a relapse indicates that a change needs to be made to their treatment plan.

Some common triggers include:

Withdrawal symptoms: Physical and psychological withdrawal from a substance can be uncomfortable, and your loved one might relapse to prevent these feelings.
Mental health: Some people who have a mental health disorder also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. Your loved one might be trying to cope with their mental health symptoms by using substances, and if their mental health condition is left untreated, it can cause a relapse.
Peer pressure: Many people use substances in groups with their peers. If someone has just gone through treatment for their addiction and continues to hang around others who continue to use substances, they feel pressured or compelled by their cravings to relapse.
Environments: Certain environments encourage substance use, such as bars, clubs or parties. Simply being in these environments can be enough to trigger a relapse.
Uncomfortable feelings: Some people might experience boredom, isolation or loneliness after they go through treatment, especially if they don't have a robust support network. Your loved one might relapse to avoid these feelings.

What NOT to Do When Someone You Love Relapses

If your loved one goes through a relapse, you'll want to give them all the support you can offer. However, there are certain things you shouldn't do:

Don't get upset or lose hope: Relapse is often a standard part of the addiction recovery process. It's more than possible to recover from a relapse and reach sobriety again. If you show negative emotions, it can make your loved one feel unsupported and prevent them from seeking the treatment they need.
Don't assign blame or get angry: Blaming your loved one for their relapse and getting mad at them for it will only make the situation worse, and they may feel discouraged from seeking treatment. Instead, you should try to react calmly and offer support.
Don't make excuses: On the other side, you shouldn't make excuses for your loved one's relapse. Recognizing that there is an issue can help you encourage your loved one to seek help.
Don't push: You should encourage your loved one to seek treatment, but don't push them too hard. It can make them resistant to treatment, and ultimately, it should be their decision to seek treatment and make plans for their recovery.
Don't dismiss the problem: Relapse can sometimes seem like a one-time thing from people standing on the outside. However, it's essential not to ignore your loved one's behaviors. Avoid enabling them to relapse again or allowing them to become codependent.

By stopping yourself from taking part in these behaviors, you can instead offer support and care to your loved one during their recovery process.

Get Support Today

9 Things You Should Do for Someone Who's Relapsing

Your loved one will need plenty of encouragement and support during their recovery process. If a loved one in your life is going through a relapse, you can take steps to help make their recovery process smoother. Here's what to do when your loved one relapses:

1. Remain Positive

Keeping a positive mindset will help your loved one feel supported during this challenging time. Know that relapse is a normal part of the recovery process, and achieving sobriety again is possible.

2. Offer Your Support

A support network is vital for the recovery process. If your loved one can rely on you for support during this time, they'll feel more motivated to seek treatment after a relapse.

3. Educate Yourself

You can support your loved one by educating yourself on the signs of relapse so you can spot the symptoms sooner, offer your support and help them seek therapy before the relapse becomes severe.

4. Find Professional Treatment

If your loved one is going through a relapse, finding a professional treatment center for them can help take some of the burdens off their shoulders. Having a treatment plan set up can help streamline the process once they decide to pursue treatment.

5. Encourage Support Groups

Support or therapy groups can be an excellent way for your loved one to connect with other individuals with the same experiences. They're also a perfect tool for holding someone accountable and preventing relapse.

6. Identify Triggers

If you can identify your loved one's triggers, you can prevent them from being exposed or help them through the situation. If bars trigger their drinking, you help them find another location to spend time at, such as a coffee shop.

7. Enjoy Sober Activities Together

Someone who went through addiction might need to find new activities for occupying their newfound free time. You can enjoy enriching activities, such as hiking, yoga and meditation. These hobbies are great for physical and mental health and can create a healthy outlet for loved ones recovering from addiction.

8. Set a Healthy Example

One of the best ways you can help a loved one going through relapse is to establish a healthy standard for them. Take care of yourself during this time and participate in healthy activities so your loved one can look at your behavior as an example.

9. Open a Line of Communication

You should discuss your feelings with your loved one to show that you care and that you're empathic about their situation. Be careful not to blame them, but let them know how this affects you and that you're here for them if they need support. Knowing how you feel can encourage your loved one to seek treatment for their relapse.

When to Get Professional Help

You can look out for certain signs that might indicate that professional help and treatment are necessary. These signs include:

Withdrawal from friends and family.
Disinterest in hobbies or passions.
Hostility when asked about substance use.
Denial when confronted by friends and family.
Absences or poor performance at work or school.
Lack of self-care, such as bad hygiene.
The appearance of mental health symptoms after treatment.
Staying out at bars or parties.

While not all of these signs can indicate a relapse, it's essential to be aware of these signs and talk with your loved one and a professional to determine if further treatment is necessary.

Treat Relapse at Transformations by the Gulf

If someone you love has struggled with addiction in the past, there's a chance they might relapse, but there's no need to worry. Relapse is a normal part of recovery for many people, and it's possible to overcome relapse, even if it happened after rehab.

At Transformations by the Gulf, we help our patients free themselves from addiction with the structure and skills they need to transform their life. If a loved one is struggling with an addiction or you're worried about a relapse, contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs in Florida.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about Transformations by the Gulf Substance Abuse Treatment Center Give us a Call 24/7 (727)498-6498

After the initial evaluations, we’ll design a treatment plan with the sole mission of helping the client overcome and heal from addiction. Their program will focus on things such as: