Drug Relapse: Does Drug Rehab Work the Second Time?

After a relapse, many individuals may feel a sense of hopelessness and despair or fear that they will never be able to sustain the sobriety they reached in drug rehab. However, the experience of millions of individuals all around the world show that this simply is not true. Though relapse is absolutely not a required experience on the road to recovery, if you or a loved one has relapsed, it may bring comfort to know that you are not alone, and there is still hope.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, anywhere from 40-60%  of individuals with addiction will experience relapse. If you have already been to rehab, and have relapsed, you may be wondering if drug rehab can work the second time. Today we’ll provide you with the information you need, and the next steps you can take on your path to recovery. 

Does Drug Rehab Work The Second Time? 

To get right down to the matter, yes, drug rehab can absolutely work the second time. In fact, many individuals who attend rehab, then relapse, come back with a greater understanding of their addiction issues, underlying issues, and triggers. They may come back feeling more defeated, but more willing to try new things or take more suggestions from the addiction specialists and clinical team. For many in their second time in drug rehab, they may feel less hesitant to participate and engage, especially if they did not actively engage during their first rehab. 

During a person’s second time in rehab, they have the opportunity to work with their therapist and clinical team to identify what led up to the relapse—what thoughts, triggers, behaviors—and what they can do to emphasize relapse prevention in the future. Relapse prevention is a crucial part of addiction treatment and recovery, and with concrete experience of relapse, a person may be able to better formulate a plan with their support system. 

What To Do When You Relapse 

If you relapse after attending rehab, it is important to reach out for help immediately. A good place to start is by reaching out to the rehab you attended, or your counselor or addiction specialist. It may be particularly helpful if you already worked with them, and they know your experience and can quickly guide you through the next steps. Often, the next step will be returning to a rehab program, though it may not be the same duration or level of care as before. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Another option, which can also be supplementary to rehab, is locating a recovery support group near you, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These extensive support groups are free and located all over the United States. 

No matter what a person decides to do, it is crucial to not try to do it alone. The reality is that a relapse can be fatal. Many individuals pick up a drink or drug thinking that they can “just return to recovery tomorrow,” and then never make it back. If you or a loved one has relapsed, don’t wait—seek help today. 

Drug Rehab at Oasis Recovery Center

If you or someone you love has developed an addiction or dependence to drugs or alcohol, or has relapsed and are wondering how to get help, we encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track.