- Figure out why you relapsed: Did you allow yourself to become too stressed out or take on too many responsibilities? Did you visit an old haunt or see former friends who served as triggers? Determine what about the situation led you to turn to drugs or alcohol.
- Make changes for the future: Adjust your routine or engage in a new coping strategy that will help you to avoid the same type of situation in the future. Become more aware of your stress level or dangerous circumstances that put you at risk. Use your relapse as a learning experience to help you grow and adapt.
- Get support from loved ones, others in recovery, and professionals: Turn to them for motivation and a pick-me-up. Gather advice, insight, and guidance from people who have been in the same position and can help you overcome.
- Do not be overly hard on yourself: Yes, you made a mistake, but that is part of life. Reflect on all of the positive things that have come from your recovery and how much progress you have made. Let this encourage you to brush yourself off and try again.