Can Family Problems Cause Relapse in Addiction Recovery?

There are many things that can trigger the urge to drink or use drugs during active recovery, and some of the most common are stressors and difficulties with loved ones at home. For almost everyone working on staying sober who returns home after treatment or lives at home during outpatient care, it can be tricky to navigate the emotional flare-ups that are inevitable. Loved ones are often hurt by the behaviors associated with untreated substance use and trauma-related disorders, and it takes time to rebuild trust and heal.

The process can be tough, and many relationships will need more time than others if they are able to be repaired at all. The truth is that there is no necessary outcome for any relationship for you to stay sober. The only thing you need is yourself and your dedication to doing what works.

Here’s what you need to know:

· If relapse does happen, it is not the end of the world. It does not mean you have lost all you have gained in recovery, and it doesn’t mean you have to continue drinking or getting high.

· However, relapse is not an inevitable part of the process of recovery or dealing with difficult situations. Though it can and does happen to many people, it does not have to, and if you feel like you are at risk, you can take action.

· Sharing what you are feeling is essential but not necessarily with your family member. Rather, talking to a sponsor or your therapist is the best way to come up with actionable ways to decrease stress levels while still continuing to work on your relationships with loved ones.

· You do not necessarily have to cut someone out of your life in order to avoid relapse. You may need to limit communications, set healthy boundaries, and/or take a break until you feel more stable and strong in your ability to avoid relapse.

· Your loved one may benefit from taking part in their own therapeutic treatment and going through a “recovery” of their own.

The Best Answer to Relapse: Treatment

No matter what the reason for a relapse, if you feel that it is a chronic problem and you are unable to sustain sobriety as a result, one of the best choices is to return to treatment for coping mechanisms that work. At American Addiction Centers, our First Responder Lifeline Program offers police officers and their families the support they need to heal in recovery with a comprehensive treatment program that provides:

· PTSD assessment and evaluation

· Access to EMDR therapy and other therapies proven to be effective in the treatment of trauma-related disorders like PTSD

· Therapists and treatment professionals who are trained to work with first responders

· Family therapy groups and support for loved ones

· Unique treatment plans designed for first responders

· Long-term aftercare and support

What do you and your family members need to rebuild relationships in recovery? Contact us at (855) 997–6542 now to speak with a treatment consultant who can assist you.