Is it Okay to Go to Rehab More Than Once?

Addiction to drugs and alcohol can have a significant, negative impact on every aspect of your life. From your mental and physical health to finances and social life, addiction takes a toll that can last years–or a lifetime.

Addiction is a complex condition. People living with substance abuse and addiction require compassionate, comprehensive treatment that includes care for their physical wellbeing and a chance to develop coping skills that will help them manage the condition for life.

Many people experience setbacks and challenges during their recovery journey. Most people in recovery will have at least one relapse–a return to substance abuse after a period of abstinence. A relapse may seem like a significant roadblock in recovery, but it is often simply a sign that a person requires more support or skills.

When someone faces a drug or alcohol relapse or feels close to one, they may choose to seek additional treatment. It is fairly common for people to go to rehab more than once. But is this a sign that rehab didn’t work for you? It is essential to understand why some people go to rehab more than once and how to recognize the need for more help.

If you or someone you love needs support during recovery or requires substance abuse treatment, reach out to the New You Sober Living Staff today.

Why Do Some People Go to Rehab More Than Once?

Going to rehab can be a life-saving decision. The effects of addiction can be devastating, and choosing to get treatment can help you regain control of your life.

But prolonged periods of substance abuse can cause significant changes in your brain, body, and emotions. It takes a lot of work to identify and heal the causes of addiction. Old, destructive habits take time to break. And even when you learn new coping skills and feel confident about managing stress, putting them into practice in the real world is often more challenging than you might imagine.

Life in recovery can also be unpredictable. While you may have worked hard to make big changes, the people, places, and situations surrounding you may be the same. Living your life and facing your triggers can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to experience setbacks.

The key to staying in control is recognizing when you need more support. For some people, going to rehab again may be the best way to move forward in their recovery with confidence.

Should I Go to Rehab More Than Once?

When people finish rehab, they may feel invigorated, committed, and confident. Or, they may leave the program hesitantly and feel unsure that they are ready to manage their sobriety. Some people have mixed feelings–they may feel confident sometimes and overwhelmed by others.

Whatever your feelings, paying attention to your ability to cope with your emotions is essential. Your behaviors can tell you a lot about your ability to manage your life in recovery–and if you need more support.

Some of the signs that might indicate you need more support include:

• Straying from your routine
• Skipping meetings or therapy appointments
• Neglecting your hygiene
• Sleeping poorly or irregularly
• Binging or eating a poor diet
• Isolating from friends and family
• Thinking about what it would be like to use or drink again
• Experiencing overwhelming emotions

If you face new challenges or cannot cope with life in healthy ways, you may benefit from going back to rehab.

What Can I Expect if I Go to Rehab Again?

Don’t expect rehab to be the same as the last time you went. You have different needs and experiences, and your program will likely be adapted to meet these differences.

Sometimes, you may need to choose a different rehab facility altogether. If your previous rehab center could not meet your needs or did not provide the level of treatment you required, it is essential to find a program that can. While this may seem overwhelming, finding a high-quality rehab center doesn’t have to be complicated.

First, ensuring that your treatment facility offers high-quality, evidence-based programs is essential. Effective treatment programs must utilize a combination of evidence-based therapies, including:

• Individual therapy
• Medications
• Mental health treatment
• Education
• Group counseling
• Family therapy

You should spend the majority of your time engaging in these therapies. Holistic practices, such as mindfulness, nutrition counseling, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, can be used to complement evidence-based treatments and promote overall wellness.

According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA), the qualities of effective substance abuse treatment include:

• Immediate access to treatment
• Treatment plans should be adapted to reflect changing needs
• Programs should offer support and care for all aspects of a person’s life, not just their addiction
• Medications and behavioral therapies can be effective tools in treating addiction
• Mental illness and addiction must be treated simultaneously
• Treatment plans should be long enough to be effective
• Detox alone is insufficient to treat addiction

Look for treatment programs that address and treat addiction’s physical, emotional, behavioral, and social aspects. Ensure the facility’s staff is licensed to provide addiction treatment services. Choose a treatment facility that offers comprehensive care for the whole person.

People who go to rehab more than once have the opportunity to learn new skills and strengthen old ones. More time in treatment means more time to focus on yourself, your needs, and your recovery. Choosing to go to rehab more than once can be a life-changing, life-affirming decision. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn the skills you need to live the fulfilling, healthy lifestyle you deserve.

Get Help Now

Relapse isn’t something to be ashamed of. It is an opportunity to learn more about yourself, what it takes to stay sober, and what changes you can make to stay on the right path. If you or someone you love requires addiction treatment or support at any stage of recovery, reach out to the New You Sober Living specialists today.