Karyn Dowdall supports clients with Relapse and Recovery Issues.

You may have heard it said that "relapse is a stage of change" which is true according to the Stage of Change Model, often used as part of recovery treatment, however relapse does not have to be part of the process of recovery, in fact, the expectation of relapse can keep a person stuck in suffering, needlessly.

Recovery from addiction or an unhealthy practice ie. working too much, distorted thinking or any other related issue, requires a willingness to adapt your mind with a plan for follow through. The plan must be monitored with respect and honesty in order for a person to achieve the mindshift they are seeking. Recovery is not easy (our brains like to do things the same way) but it is achievable, with practice and awareness. Relapse makes things more difficult, but it can be overcome if it happens - and it is not the end of your recovery if it does.

Treatment for Relapse and Recovery

There are various ways a person might approach their recovery and relapse prevention, however it depends greatly on what led that person to their addiction in the first place. Depending on the various risk and protective factors that went into the making of one's addiction, various aligned treatment strategies will be required. For example, if a person is suffering with trauma and has used a substance to cope, taking that coping mechanism away without supporting new coping mechanisms could be re-traumatizing. Motivational Interviewing, Emotions-Focused Therapy, CBT, Strength-Based and Problem Solving approaches may help people to learn to cope with the discomfort of recovering from addictions and other avoidance/maladaptive coping techniques. Karyn is passionate about recovery and has helped many people to deal with difficult addiction issues.