Anyone who has ever been addicted to a substance knows that fighting that addiction is a long-term battle. Fortunately, most choose to get into a rehabilitation center and gain sobriety. However, things do not necessarily get easier. A common misconception is that once someone has gone through their addiction recovery program and completed their treatment, they have recovered. This is not the case as recovery is not a one-time accomplishment. It is an ongoing journey with more than its share of speed bumps. It is a fight that you might have to battle more than once to win it.

 

As such, during the days, months, or even years after your treatment, one is still susceptible to slipping, relapsing, or falling back into their old ways. In fact, estimates show that over 40 percent of recovering addicts relapse. The unfortunate thing about relapsing, however, is that if the individual does not take immediate measures to curb it, they can quickly spiral down back the rabbit hole they had fought so desperately to escape.

 

Therefore, it is imperative that one notices these signs early so they can enroll for a rehab tune-up program to prevent them from falling back to addiction.

This article will discuss what a rehab tune-up is, how it helps curb a relapse, and how to tell when you or a loved one need a tune-up.

 

What is a Rehab Tune-up?

 

During your recovery after battling addiction, life may throw you curveballs or situations which make you reach for the drug or substance that you have worked so hard to fight off. In these moments, you might either slip and use, or feel a very strong urge to use.

 

If you do not take any preventive measures, you will risk relapsing. In a bid to prevent this from happening, drug rehab facilities often have tune-up programs that help you through those trying moments to ensure that your recovery is not compromised.

How to Know You Need a Rehab Tune-up

 

1. You No Longer Go To Meetings, Therapy, Or Aftercare

 

Going to group therapies and meetings are one of the best ways of staying open about your experiences during recovery. It also allows you to be accountable. And like it was mentioned earlier, recovery is an ongoing learning lesson with no end. However, it offers you opportunities for growth. Therefore, if you find yourself or a loved one avoiding these environments that foster growth, it means that you are losing touch with what it means to be active in recovery, and are on the verge of resorting to old ways.

 

2. Changes in Feelings and Attitudes

 

Relapsing does not always revolve around slipping and using. It can also be about the emotions you feel that might lead you back to the addiction. After completing your rehab program and going back into the world, unhealthy thoughts are bound to cross your mind.

 

For instance, a recovering alcohol addict might start thinking, “One beer for the night cannot be that bad. It is the weekend, after all.”

 

If you catch yourself thinking along those lines, take a step back and evaluate how far you have come. Think about the sacrifices, time, and money that your loved ones spent putting you through the program so you could get better. Think about the disappointment you will cause to yourself and your family if you were to relapse.

 

If the urges are still too strong despite being aware of the implications of relapsing, you need to visit a rehab tune up.

 

3. Lying

 

Do you find yourself constantly making excuses for your behaviors? Are you avoiding the truth about your negative emotions and feelings? You always know when you are not honest about how you really feel, and this is a red flag. If you feel this way, seeking professional help will help you deal with those emotions.

 

4. Depression

 

While everyday ups and downs are normal, a prolonged period of sadness is risky towards effective recovery. A lack of interest, motivation, concentration, and sleep are the most common signs of depression. If you notice these signs, do not sit on them as they will likely make you reach for the substance you have been avoiding. Contact the professionals.

 

5. Overconfidence

 

After completing their rehab program, some addicts might feel that they can be in situations where drugs are present because they have been cured. If you feel this way, it means that you do not completely understand what the recovery process entails as putting yourself in such a situation is likely to trigger a relapse.

 

6. Tunnel Vision

 

Do you find yourself directing all your attention to one area of your life? Are you neglecting other significant aspects of your life such as family and friends? This is a clear warning sign that you are on the verge of relapse. Taking some time in a rehab tune-up will help you realign your priorities.

 

7. Irritation

 

Unfortunately, some recovering addicts might feel like abandoning their bad habits is a sacrifice, and that this gives them the right to be angry or demanding all the time. If you find yourself feeling like this constantly, it is imperative that you visit a recovery center.

Benefits of Rehab Tune Ups

 

1. Breaking the Cycle

 

Someone on the verge of relapse is usually around settings or factors that encourage them to return to their habits. By pulling them away from these situations and allowing them to think objectively about everything that surrounds them, rehab tune-ups set the individual back on track.

 

2. Dig Into Underlying Issues

 

At times, the individual might not know what is triggering them to attempt the substance again. They might be depressed without even knowing it. A rehab tune-up has resources that can help the individual to dig into those underlying issues while assisting them to build coping skills, so they do not have to use the drug or substance as a coping mechanism.

 

3. Encouraging Newly Adopted Habits

 

Addicts are typically people with poor discipline and self-care habits. During the rehabilitation process, they are taught new constructive habits that will help them become better individuals. However, maintaining these habits or practices can be hard once they are out of the rehab center.

 

This makes them vulnerable to falling back to old habits. The benefit of going to a rehab tune-up, therefore, is that it reminds the individual of the importance of maintaining healthy habits in helping combat the compulsive nature of addictions.

 

A rehab tune up is not a one-off thing. Rather, it is something that a recovering addict might need more than once. Tune-ups are not the same as rehabilitation programs. This is because instead of treating the individual, a tune-up helps the person to stay on top of their recovery program. And because one cannot always be strong enough to resist temptations, a tune-up offers you solace and support when you are at your most vulnerable.

 

Are you a recovering addict and need some help staying on course? Serving the residents of Maui and its environs, Maui Recovery is the premier addiction recovery center in Hawaii. While our primary goal is to set addicts back on the right path, we also have programs geared towards helping recovering addicts to stay on top of their recovery. For people who do not have a full 30 days for rehab, we have customized 1 week rehab and 2 week rehab programs to address your addiction and its underlying issues. The 1 week rehab and 2 week rehab programs also take care of individuals looking to take a time-out so they can connect with their true self. Do you feel this would be beneficial for you? Feel free to contact us for further information.

 

Learn More about our Rehab Retreats at Maui Recovery.