Addiction recovery is a lifelong process that comes with setbacks and victories. Among the most significant challenges is the risk of relapse. For many, recognizing addiction relapse warning signs early can mean the difference between maintaining sobriety and returning to old habits. Relapse isn’t a failure—it’s an opportunity to reassess and strengthen recovery strategies. Understanding the triggers and patterns of relapse helps individuals and their loved ones take proactive steps. Specifically, addiction treatment centers in West Virginia offer personalized, evidence-based approaches to recovery that address these challenges head-on. We will walk you through the stages of relapse, the symptoms to watch for, and how to build a relapse prevention plan to ensure lasting sobriety. Continue reading →
Feeling good and satisfied can help people who have struggled with addiction stay on a healthier path without falling back into old habits. We’ll explore why being happy and content with where you are in life can make such a big difference in staying away from substances that harm you. This is a key subject for many families and communities across West Virginia, and understanding the role of life satisfaction in preventing relapse in West Virginia can help us support each other in building stronger, healthier futures. Continue reading →
Relapsing is always a possibility when you are recovering from Substance Use Disorder. Remember that even if it happens, it doesn’t cancel all your progress. It simply means you may have to get together with your therapist to figure out new strategies to cope with stressors. However, preventing relapse is part of being a responsible patient. Outside stressors can play a huge factor when it comes to relapse. Going through a divorce is, most of the time, a stressor. Every divorce proceeding is different, but this period of life is likely to come with feelings of grief, anger, uncertainty about the future, concern for your children or stepchildren, and other negative emotions that may tempt you to reach for the substance you formerly abused. Here are some strategies for preventing relapse during and after divorce.
Divorce can be a huge stressor and drive you to relapse
Some of the Challenges of Preventing Relapse During and After Divorce
There are several reasons why even the most amicable and peaceful divorce can be triggering for someone recovering from addiction. These include, but are not limited to:
Grief over the loss of an important person in your life
Sure, your ex might still be part of your life, especially if you have children or work together. However, your relationship with them is not going to be the same as it was before. In some cases, our spouses are not just romantic partners. They may also be best friends, business associates, confidantes, and important pillars of our support networks.Suddenly, losing this person can be a lot like having to process their death. This means divorce often comes with a lot of feelings of grief.
Even if you and your ex are ending things in less than ideal terms, you may be grieving over all the things you did not choose in the past for choosing to stay with your spouse. This can take a toll on you emotionally and tempt you to come back to old crutches such as addictive substances.
Concern over the wellbeing of your children and stepchildren
If children are involved in a divorce, it is natural to be concerned about their well-being. You may see them suffering in real time and feel powerless over making things better for them. This can be distressing for any good parent or step-parent and can often come with feelings of guilt. However, remember that the best parent you can be during this time is a sober parent.
Preventing relapse during and after a divorce should be a priority. If you feel like things are getting out of your hands, you can always look into family therapy so both you and your children have the help you need.
Changes in living situation and/or routine
You may be moving out of the house or apartment you considered your home for years. Even if you stay where you used to live, you may have to adapt to shared custody regimes and changes in routine. Now, you alone may be solely responsible for the household chores and get used to being alone for far more time than what you are used to. Change can be distressing for people in recovery from Substance Use Disorder, so it is important to stay vigilant during times of change.
Feelings of guilt or anger at being abandoned
There are always complicated feelings in a divorce. If you initiated the divorce, you may feel guilty about giving up on your ex and worry about their well-being without you. If your spouse initiates the divorce, you may feel angry and abandoned. This can open up old childhood wounds. This is why it is important to have strategies to avoid relapse.
A lot of free time suddenly available
You may find yourself with a lot of time on your hands, and this can be dangerous for someone with a history of addiction. The temptation to try your old substance of choice just one time is there. It is not like you will come back home and have to explain yourself to someone. This may not be as emotionally loaded as other circumstances surrounding the divorce. Still, it is important to have things to do with all this time on your hands, even if you are not particularly triggered.
The culture around breakups and divorce
Your friends, especially if they do not know about your history, may be eager to take you to bars or clubs. They may insist you get out there and meet new people in environments where substance use is normalized. If you have a history of substance use, the last thing you want is to be in a place where everybody is drinking alcohol or smoking weed. This can make preventing relapse during and after a divorce virtually impossible. Make it a point to meet new people and see your friends socially, but try to do so in sober environments.
Strategies for Preventing Relapse During and After Divorce
Even though there are many unpredictable feelings and events in a divorce, there are some things that are still under your control. If you don’t want to relapse during this time, there are a lot of things you can do to prevent that. The focus should be both on yourself and your nourishing connections.
Thinking ahead can make the difference when preventing relapse during and after divorce.
#1 – Think Ahead: Prepare a Contingency Plan (or Three)
If the temptation to abuse a substance does happen, let it reach you with a plan in hand. What are you going to do if you feel sad, depressed, scared, and you want to reach for the bottle, joint, or pills? What about lacing up your trainers and having a walk or run? Are you reaching for your brush or journal? Have you considered calling someone in your support network? Are you going to turn on a comforting movie or TV series?
Come up with a few contingency plans for when you’re feeling down. It’s better to have multiple plans: one for when you’re only slightly tempted to pick up the substance, one when you feel a moderate amount of temptation, and one for when, if no one intervenes, you’re most likely to relapse. In the first-case scenario, maybe playing a comforting movie will do the trick. In a worst-case scenario, be ready to seek help at a rehab center in WV.
Turn towards your loved ones, peers, and therapists to prevent relapse during and after divorce.
#2 – Identify the People in Your Support Network
Human connection is crucial to prevent relapse during and after a divorce. Divorce is a lot about the loss of someone important in your support network. Perhaps even multiple people, if you got along with your in-laws and those relationships were severed as well.
Therefore, you should make it a priority to work on the rest of your support network. First, identify people in your support network. Only in very rare cases will your ex be part of said support network, even when there are children involved and you cannot cut off contact.
Some people who may qualify for your support network include close friends, siblings, parents, AA or NA sponsors and peers, therapists, and neighbors. Ideally, they should know about your Substance Use Disorder history and your divorce. If they do not know yet, make it a point to tell them. Remember that these relationships generally go both ways. Make sure to be there for the people who are there for you.
At Harmony Ridge, we have outpatient treatment options that can help you build community among people who are going through similar challenges. The bonds you form during group therapy may get you through tough circumstances such as a divorce. These kinds of communities can be key when preventing relapse during and after divorce.
Healthy hobbies can help you get grounded and briefly disconnect from negative emotions.
#3 – Be Disciplined About Having One or Two Healthy Hobbies
Any activity that is not disruptive to your routine and does not involve substance use can be considered a healthy hobby. Ideally, though you should aspire to take up one or two hobbies that do not involve screens. Some examples of healthy hobbies include knitting, crocheting, yoga, hiking, running, participating in team sports, painting, dancing, singing, theater, crafting, reading, journaling, calligraphy, playing board games, learning languages, music, taking classes at a community college, cooking, and baking.
The idea is for you to turn to these when you feel triggered or upset. These hobbies are grounding and can help you find your center and disconnect from your stressful divorce, even if only momentarily. Act early, pick one, sign up for a class, or get the supplies you need and try it out. Taking a class in your chosen activity can be a way for you to get distracted and meet new people as well.
If a conversation or event that could trigger you is coming up, have a contingency plan in place.
#4 – Identify Triggering Dates and Events and Act Accordingly
Preventing relapse during and after a divorce is a lot about having contingency plans in place. If you know the day you sign your papers or have the initial meeting with the lawyers will mess you up, act accordingly. Make space in your schedule to feel your feelings and have a plan in place, such as a date with your best friend or someone else in your support network.
For unforeseen circumstances or events, have a contingency plan in place. If you have to get together with your ex and talk, schedule it when there will be people in your support network available afterward. If you can, have a standing date or phone call after said conversation. This will diminish the chances that you relapse after a stressful conversation or divorce-related event.
Being well rested can be the difference between relapse and staying in recovery.
#5 – Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
What does sleep hygene have to do with relapsing into addiction? Well, more than you would think. Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including those involved in reward, motivation, and stress responses.
Chronic sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can disrupt these systems, leading to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol. These imbalances can increase cravings for drugs or alcohol as the brain seeks to restore balance and alleviate discomfort. Poor sleep quality or not getting enough sleep also means impaired decision-making and self-control. You will suffer from increased stress and emotional dysregulation, as well as weakened resilience and coping skills.
Going through a divorce can be chaotic and unpredictable. However, it is under your control to have a full night’s sleep. Make sure to have a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. Do not use screens a couple of hours before bed. Condition your room to your liking, use earplugs and a face mask if necessary.
If your anxiety or distress symptoms are interfering with your sleep, make it a point to see your doctor. Psychiatrists at Harmony Ridge can help you develop strategies for a good quality of sleep. You will also learn relaxing techniques such as yoga and meditation that you can apply right before bed.
Overworking yourself may seem tempting, but it is one of the worst things you can do when preventing relapse during and after divorce.
#6 – Beware of Overworking Yourself
You may be tempted to sign up for a lot of classes, go to the gym every single day, and pick up extra shifts at work to avoid thinking about the divorce. However, while this can be a short-term solution to avoid relapse, it can end up being counterproductive. You may end up relapsing after a couple of months of this because of the burnout and exhaustion.
Make time to process all the complicated feelings that may arise during this time in a safe environment. Make sure you have plenty of time to rest as well. Grief is hard work, and a lot of people are grieving the loss of a partner during divorce. Add to that maintaining sobriety, and you have a full-time emotional job to complete. Do not make it harder for yourself by signing up for more obligations than those that are absolutely necessary.
Rely on Recovery Centers to Help You Get Back on Track
When preventing relapse during and after divorce, it is important to have strategies in place. There should be strategies both for extreme emotional dysregulation and mere boredom. Make sure you have a strong support network in place, pick up a healthy hobby or two, do not overwork yourself, and prioritize getting good sleep. Thinking ahead can be the difference between staying sober and having a relapse during this time. At Harmony Ridge, different recovery programs help you get on your feet during this challenging time.
Healthy coping mechanisms allow you to face adversity with clarity and fortitude. They promote adaptive responses to stressors. With healthy coping habits, from mindfulness techniques to seeking professional help at a reputable West Virginia treatment center, you enhance your ability to handle uncertainties and create a foundation for a more balanced and fulfilling life. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center will explore healthy coping mechanisms during addiction recovery in Fairmont WV. They can contribute to long-term mental and physical health. Continue reading →
The duration of addiction recovery is a critical factor that significantly influences its effectiveness. It plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal sobriety by allowing you adequate time to heal naturally or respond to therapeutic interventions. This is particularly essential in restoring healthy behaviors and lifestyles, as you need sufficient duration to develop coping mechanisms, address underlying issues, and rebuild your life gradually. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center answers the common question: “How long does drug rehab in Charleston WV take?” We will explore why the duration of rehabs in WV matters and the factors that influence it. Continue reading →
One of the most predictive factors of someone building a successful recovery is their length of time in treatment. Because addiction is fundamentally about compulsive behavior, people need time to break the cycle. We are helping the brain gradually change and settle down such that the person feels more empowered in their life. It can be devastating for a family who hears of a loved one who has decided to leave treatment early before it’s complete. When a person is leaving treatment early, they make a mistake that can cost them their future. That’s a hard statement to make, especially for those who want to remain sober. Yet, it takes time and a lot of work to make sure that sobriety is possible.
However, leaving treatment is preventable. But it takes effort from all around.These are some of the most common explanations of why people leave addiction treatment early.
“Detox is too difficult.”
One of the most common reasons why people leave drug treatment is the drug and alcohol detoxification process. The first couple of weeks of treatment can be uncomfortable and even unbearable because of the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, the length of time the drug was used and the quantity of the drug consumed, the withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable both physically and mentally.
Many drug treatment facilities provide excellent detoxification programs in which licensed and training medical staff provide around the clock supervision. The goal of detox is to minimize the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, we offer medication-assisted treatment to our patients with opioid addiction. It gives them an alternative form of therapy aside from the typical abstinence-based treatment.
Whether it’s through naltrexone or buprenorphine, our team of professionals at Harmony Ridge Recovery is here to assist. They know that medications are sometimes a necessary component of the treatment process. In order to not leave treatment early, we offer a way to track how much medication we’re giving you, as well as how long we believe you’ll need it.
The fact is those early in recovery aren’t alone in the management of your withdrawal, you have the support of medical and counseling staff who are encouraging and empathetic to the situation. Many counselors who work in drug treatment are in recovery themselves so they can identify and relate to the struggles of detoxification.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat substance abuse. MAT is normally used to treat opioid use disorders but has helped other types in the past. Sometimes other effects from these medications can hinder the recovery process, but they help more often than not. This therapy can be combined with others, like behavioral and group therapies, in order to achieve desired results of sobriety. We understand that ceasing drug use without the help of medication is sometimes not the best option for our patients. In our medication-assisted treatment here at Harmony Ridge, our staff is available 24/7 to manage the different prescribed medications and help you to not leave treatment early.
Leave Treatment Early Because of Unrealistic Expectations
Some people might go into treatment thinking it’s going to be easy and amazing right from the start. And you can’t really blame them. Addiction takes over a person’s ability to think rationally. And, on top of that, a lot of addicts haven’t been to treatment before. They don’t realize the work that goes into it. So, when they’re forced to confront their emotions and develop tools to live a functional life – rather than simply being medicated until the drugs leave their system – some may choose to leave.
Recovery is worth it and sometimes some of the methods and activities will really resonate with you. But it’s unrealistic to think that everything is going to be easy and amazing. Instead, you should acknowledge that the real reason you’re there is to work through your addiction and take that first step into recovery. That implies effort. Keep an open mind throughout your treatment process. And if something doesn’t go as you expected, don’t make any rash decisions. Instead, take a moment to ask yourself if the treatment program is actually bad or if your expectation was just unrealistic.
“I Already Know All Of This – I Don’t Need Rehab.”
With any addiction recovery program, there will be certain themes that can be repeated. Repetition is important because as humans, that’s how we learn. Because of this repetition, individuals who complete only a few weeks of rehab may become overconfident. While confidence is key in recovery, overconfidence can be potentially damaging. Despite not having the full skill set that they need in order to maintain long-term sobriety, a person may become convinced that he or she is completely healed or “cured.” However, without all of the skills developed and fully in place, they won’t be ready to work through the triggers.
Response: Research indicates that the longer an addicted person remains in treatment, the better their chances of maintaining their recovery. To leave treatment early means the person thinks they have learned everything they need to know. If a loved one indicates that they already know everything about treatment – it can be a signal of progress, or it can be a signal that more treatment – at different levels – is necessary. For example, stepping down from inpatient to outpatient or a transitional living home environment.
Dangers to Leave Treatment Early
There may be a small minority of people who check out of rehab early and do manage to stay sober, but in the vast majority of cases it leads to negative consequences. The dangers of an early exit from this facility include
* The individual will not be prepared for the transition back home so they will likely be overwhelmed by familiar temptations.
* If the person feels like they have had a bad experience they will likely use this as a justification for a return to alcohol and drugs.
* Those who flee treatment while overly emotional (e.g. angry) will not be able to think rationally and so are likely to make bad choices.
* Nobody knows how many chances the individual will get at recovery – some people only seem to get one shot because they never summon up the determination to quit again. This means that by leaving rehab the individual might be blowing their only chance of a good life.
* The individual can use this bad experience as an excuse to never consider rehab again.
* Family and friends are likely to be disappointed by this failure to stay the course of rehab. It may even mean that they struggle to ever trust that person again.
* If the individual leaves rehab and then relapses it can lower their self efficacy – their belief in their own ability to escape addiction. This means that it will be harder for them to quit next time.
Can You Check Yourself Out of Rehab?
If you’re currently enrolled in a rehab program and are considering leaving, talk to your therapists and counselors about how you feel. They’ve been through this before with other patients and can address any concerns you’re having about your recovery, treatment, or progress. You might also want to discuss your concerns in group therapy, because others may feel the same, and you might be able to strengthen each other’s resolve.
Leaving drug rehab early or AMA is a form of self-sabotage – a behavior that is common for those in active addiction. If your loved one decides to leave treatment early, it will be a difficult time for you – however, it should not be the end of the family’s effort and support in getting a loved one well. With the support of family and a strong team of professionals, keeping a loved one active and engaged in their treatment and recovery process is possible.
Lastly, if you really want to leave–you can, but just wait it out for 24 hours and see how you feel. Take recovery day by day, and every morning commit yourself to stay another day. Before you know it, you’ll be on the road to recovery.
Considering to Leave Treatment Early? Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is here to help
If you have left treatment early, know that your recovery efforts don’t have to die in vain. There is still hope for a successful recovery. While it’s dangerous to relapse after treatment for the risk of overdose-related death, it’s also dangerous to never get help with treatment ever again. Many people who relapse end up obtaining a lasting recovery on their second or even third time in treatment. So, don’t give up!
Traditionally, addiction treatment has relied on talk therapy, medication, and support groups. However, with the advancement of technology, new treatment methods are being developed to help patients overcome addiction. One such method is the use of virtual reality (VR). It’s safe to say that the application of virtual reality in addiction treatment is about to revolutionize drug and alcohol rehab in West Virginia due to promising results. Continue reading →
