What is what to do when your partner relapses?

When your partner relapses, it's a challenging time for both of you. Here's some information about what to do:

• Stay Calm: It's crucial to remain as calm as possible. Panic or anger can worsen the situation. Remember that relapse is a part of the recovery process for some people.

• Focus on Safety: First and foremost, prioritize the safety of your partner and anyone else involved. If there's a risk of overdose, violence, or self-harm, seek immediate professional help. Call emergency services or a crisis hotline.

• Avoid Blame and Judgment: Relapse isn't a moral failing. Refrain from blaming or judging your partner. This is a time for support and understanding, not recrimination. Focusing on blame can damage your relationship and hinder future recovery efforts.

• Communicate Openly: Encourage open and honest communication. Create a safe space where your partner feels comfortable sharing what happened, what triggered the relapse, and how they're feeling. Listen without interrupting or criticizing. See if your partner can share the warning signs they were ignoring.

• Reassess the Recovery Plan: Work together with your partner (and their therapist or counselor, if applicable) to reassess their recovery plan. Identify what led to the relapse and make adjustments to the plan to address those triggers or vulnerabilities. This may involve changing coping mechanisms, adjusting medication, or increasing support.

• Reinforce Support Systems: Strengthen your partner's support network. This could involve encouraging them to attend support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), spending time with sober friends, or reaching out to family members.

• Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with your partner's therapist, counselor, or doctor. They can provide valuable guidance and support during this difficult time. They can also help assess the severity of the relapse and recommend appropriate treatment options. Consider family therapy to help address the issues the relapse raises.

• Take Care of Yourself: Remember to prioritize your own well-being. Dealing with a partner's relapse can be emotionally draining. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Set healthy boundaries and ensure you're taking care of your physical and mental health. Consider joining a support group for families of people with addiction.

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect yourself and your own well-being. This might include limits on contact while they're using, financial boundaries, or expectations around seeking treatment. Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy relationship during recovery.

• Remember It's a Process: Recovery is not linear, and setbacks can happen. Be patient and supportive, and celebrate even small victories along the way. Focus on rebuilding trust and creating a stronger, healthier relationship.

Here are some related topics that may be of interest:

• Addiction Support
• Relapse Prevention
• Codependency
• Family Therapy
• Mental Health Support