The road to recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is not always straightforward. Many people complete one stint in rehab only to relapse and wind up back where they started. If your first attempt at getting sober in rehab wasn’t successful, don’t get discouraged. There are several options to consider if rehab doesn’t work the first time.
First, try to understand why you relapsed. Look at triggers that were not adequately addressed in treatment. Discuss with counselors what could be improved. Were you fully committed to the recovery process or still ambivalent? Be honest about what factors led you to start using again. Also consider getting evaluated for co-occurring mental health issues like depression, PTSD or anxiety, which may not have been caught initially. Ongoing disorders can sabotage recovery.
Next, commit to trying rehab again, whether it’s the same program or a new one. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that viewing addiction treatment like other chronic diseases that require ongoing care is key. Relapse happens, so get back into recovery. Private rehabilitation centres often adjust program elements to meet an individual’s shifting needs across multiple rehab stints.
Look into longer term residential treatment for 30-90 days or more. A short-term program may not have allowed enough time to make sobriety stick. Give yourself a stronger foundation by spending more time focused on your recovery in an immersive setting. For chronic relapse, 6-12 month programs are also an option. Long-term residential treatment can reset negative behaviors and thinking patterns.
Consider trying a different rehab approach. If 12-step programs didn’t resonate for you, try SMART recovery, CBT, faith-based programs or other options. Different therapies work better for certain individuals. Finding the right approach is key to achieving sobriety. Also look into holistic programs that address mind, body and spirit.
Make aftercare part of your recovery plan when you leave rehab. Commit to outpatient counseling, 12-step meeting attendance, sober living homes, medication-assisted treatment and other aftercare to avoid relapsing as you transition back to regular life. Support is still needed after intensive treatment ends.
Most importantly, don’t give up. Recovery is a journey with twists and turns. By reviewing what went wrong and making changes for the next attempt, you can learn from a relapse. Get your mindset right, surround yourself with support and be willing to do the difficult work. Rehab can work if you stay focused on your sobriety goals above all else.