Relapse can feel like a devastating setback, but it doesn’t have to define your recovery journey. The truth is, relapse happens to many people working toward sobriety. What matters most is how you respond and what steps you take next.
At SEE Purpose Center for Addiction Treatment in Bloomfield, IN, we understand that recovery isn’t always linear. We’re here to support you through every stage—from medically supervised detox and comprehensive inpatient treatment to partnering with outpatient centers for ongoing aftercare. If you’re wondering what to do after a relapse, you don’t have to face this alone.
This guide will walk you through practical steps to take after a relapse, helping you regain your footing and continue moving toward lasting sobriety.
What to Do After a Relapse – Steps to Take
Immediate Actions
If you’ve just relapsed, take these steps as soon as possible:
1. Ensure your physical safety
Your immediate health is the priority. If you’ve used a large amount or mixed substances, seek medical attention right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience overdose symptoms.
2. Stop using
Don’t let one slip become a full-blown relapse. The sooner you stop, the easier it will be to get back on track.
3. Remove access to substances
Get rid of any remaining substances in your possession. Distance yourself from the environment where the relapse occurred if possible.
4. Reach out for help immediately
Don’t wait to tell someone. Call your sponsor, therapist, or a trusted friend or family member. The longer you isolate with shame, the harder it becomes to ask for support.
Contact your support network
Reach out to the people who have supported your recovery journey. This might include:
- Your sponsor or mentor
- Members of your support group
- Your therapist or counselor
- Trusted friends and family members
Be honest about what happened. The people who care about you want to help, not judge.
Return to treatment
Consider whether you need to re-enter treatment. If you completed an inpatient program, you might benefit from returning for additional support. If you were in outpatient care, discuss increasing your session frequency with your treatment team.
At SEE Purpose Center, we welcome individuals who need to restart their recovery journey. Our medically supervised detox program provides a safe environment to stabilize, and our inpatient treatment helps you rebuild the skills and strategies you need for lasting sobriety.
Attend support group meetings
Whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, or another group, attending meetings can provide immediate connection and accountability. Many people find that increasing meeting attendance after a relapse helps them regain stability. Even online support groups have been found to help reduce your risk of using again.1
Practicing Self-Compassion
If you’re wondering what to do after a relapse to help yourself feel better, one of the most important things you can do after a relapse is treat yourself with kindness.
Release shame and guilt
Shame keeps you stuck. While it’s natural to feel disappointed, dwelling on negative self-talk won’t help you move forward and in face can keep you in a spiral.2 Remember that relapse doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made.
Focus on what you’ve learned
Every experience, including relapse, offers valuable lessons. Ask yourself:
- What circumstances contributed to the relapse?
- Which coping skills worked in the past but weren’t accessible this time?
- What can I do differently going forward?
Remember that there are always stages of relapse.3 Even if you weren’t able to catch yourself in the beginning stages this time around, you can gain the skills and knowledge to do better in your continued sobriety.
Celebrate your decision to continue
The fact that you’re reading this and considering your next steps shows strength and commitment. Many people don’t return to recovery after relapse. Your willingness to keep trying matters.
Moving Forward with Hope
Relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human, and recovery is challenging work. Many people who achieve long-term sobriety experience setbacks along the way. What distinguished them wasn’t perfection—it was persistence. They kept showing up, kept asking for help, and kept learning from their experiences.
You have the power to do the same. At SEE Purpose Center for Addiction Treatment, we believe in second chances—and third chances, and as many as it takes. Our compassionate team is ready to help you detox safely, address the underlying issues contributing to your addiction, and build a recovery plan that works for your unique situation.
Ready to take the next step? Contact SEE Purpose Center today at 866-558-3606 to learn how our detox and inpatient programs can help you move forward from relapse and build lasting sobriety. Your journey doesn’t end here—it continues with us by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after relapsing?
First, ensure your physical safety. If you’ve used a significant amount or mixed substances, seek medical help immediately. Next, stop using and remove any remaining substances from your environment. Then reach out to someone in your support network—a sponsor, therapist, or trusted loved one. Don’t isolate yourself or let shame prevent you from asking for help.
Does relapsing mean I have to start over completely?
No. While you may need to reset your sobriety date, you don’t lose everything you’ve learned and accomplished. The coping skills, insights, and relationships you’ve built remain valuable. Think of relapse as a detour, not a dead end. Use this experience to strengthen your recovery plan and address vulnerabilities you may have overlooked.
How do I tell my family and friends I relapsed?
Honesty is essential, even when it’s difficult. Choose a time when you can have a calm, private conversation. Explain what happened without making excuses, share what you’re doing to get back on track, and let them know how they can support you. Remember that the people who love you want to help, not judge. If the conversation feels overwhelming, consider having your therapist present or writing a letter first.
Should I return to treatment after a relapse?
It depends on your individual circumstances. If the relapse was brief and you quickly regained stability, you might be able to continue with outpatient care and increased support. However, if you’ve been using for an extended period, if you’re experiencing severe cravings, or if you feel unsafe, returning to inpatient treatment might be the best option. Discuss your situation with your treatment team to determine the appropriate level of care.
How can I prevent future relapses?
Prevention starts with understanding what led to this relapse. Work with your therapist to identify triggers and warning signs. Strengthen your support network by attending meetings regularly and staying connected with your sponsor or mentor. Practice healthy coping strategies daily, not just when you’re struggling. Consider medication-assisted treatment if appropriate. Build structure into your days with meaningful activities, and prioritize self-care fundamentals like sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
Is relapse a normal part of recovery?
While relapse is common, it’s not inevitable. Research shows that relapse rates for substance use disorders are similar to those for other chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Many people do achieve long-term sobriety without relapsing. However, if relapse does occur, it doesn’t mean recovery is impossible. It simply means your treatment plan needs adjustment.
How long does it take to get back on track after a relapse?
There’s no set timeline. Some people regain stability within days, while others need weeks or months. What matters most is taking consistent action—reaching out for support, attending treatment, and implementing the strategies that work for you. Be patient with yourself. Recovery is a process, and progress isn’t always linear.
What if I keep relapsing?
Repeated relapses suggest that your current treatment approach isn’t meeting your needs. This doesn’t mean recovery is impossible—it means you need a different strategy. Consider more intensive treatment, such as residential care. Explore whether medication-assisted treatment might help. Examine whether underlying mental health issues need more attention. Look at environmental factors that might be contributing to ongoing struggles. At SEE Purpose Center, we work with individuals who have experienced multiple relapses to develop comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that address the root causes of addiction.
References
- Liu, Y., Kornfield, R., Shaw, B. R., Shah, D. V., McTavish, F., & Gustafson, D. H. (2020). Giving and receiving social support in online substance use disorder forums: How self-efficacy moderates effects on relapse. Patient Education and Counseling, 103(6), 1125–1133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2019.12.015
- Batchelder, A. W., Glynn, T. R., Moskowitz, J. T., Neilands, T. B., Dilworth, S., Rodriguez, S. L., & Carrico, A. W. (2022). The shame spiral of addiction: Negative self-conscious emotion and substance use. PLOS ONE, 17(3), e0265480. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265480
- Melemis, S. M. (2015). Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 88(3), 325. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4553654/
