Relapse After Rehab: Understanding Setbacks and Recovery Strategies
Introduction: Relapse Doesn’t Mean It’s Over
Relapse after rehab can feel devastating. You might think you’ve failed, that you’ve wasted your chance, or that no one will take you seriously again. But that simply isn’t true.
Here’s what you need to know: relapse is not the end of your story, it’s often a part of the journey. In fact, you’re not alone. Studies show that between 40 and 60 percent of people relapse after rehab, especially in the first year.
At Bali Harmony Rehab, we understand the cycle of addiction. We know what it takes to break it, and we know that success is never about perfection, It’s about progress. So it’s not the mistakes you make that define your recovery, it’s what you do after the mistake that truly counts.
What Is Relapse After Rehab?
Relapse means returning to substance use after a period of sobriety. It can be brief, or it can escalate, but either way, it doesn’t cancel out all the work you’ve done.
Much like managing other chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma, relapse after rehab is a recognised part of the recovery process, not proof that treatment didn’t work. It may simply mean that more support is needed, or that there were underlying issues left unaddressed or often greater vigilance on your recovery is required.
Why Does Relapse Happen?
Understanding why relapse happens removes the stigma and helps you approach the next step with more clarity and self-compassion.
1. Unresolved Emotional Triggers
Stress, grief, anxiety, trauma or even boredom can push people back toward substance use if there are no healthy outlets in place. When emotionally triggered a recovering addict needs the support of their network to help them process and navigate the trauma and their feelings. Relapse often occurs when the addict tries to deal with things on their own, it becomes unmanageable and leads to relapse.
Learn more about this in our article: Understanding How Childhood Trauma Fuels Addiction
2. Returning to Old Environments
Going back to the same friends, lifestyle, or daily stressors after rehab can reignite old habits and cravings.
3. Lack of Structure or Aftercare
Without structured aftercare, coaching or accountability, it’s easy to feel lost and unsupported. That’s why we also offer a Sober Living Program in Bali, which provides a safe and structured next step. Being disciplined and having a positive daily routine and structure are essential to recovery. Addicts should also have someone, maybe a sponsor, to keep them accountable and vigilant.
4. Expecting Immediate Perfection
Many clients think rehab will fix everything in one go. But recovery isn’t an event, it’s a lifestyle shift that takes consistency, support and vigilance. Unfortunately, addiction is a disease that needs constant treatment. Rehab gives you the crash course on what it takes but you still need to manage life and what it throws at you on a daily basis. This isn’t easy but with discipline, focus and doing the work, you can be successful.
Progress, Not Perfection
We want to be very clear: recovery is not about never making mistakes. It’s about how you respond to them. It’s not the first thought that counts (this is the thought that we generally need to ignore) its the second thought and the action that matters.
Every time you relapse, you have two choices, retreat into shame, or lean into growth. At Bali Harmony, we choose growth.
Relapse gives you an opportunity to reflect: What went wrong? What support was missing? What needs to change?
Rather than viewing relapse as failure, we encourage you to see it as feedback, a signpost pointing toward what still needs healing and how we can grow, learn and get better.
You Still Deserve Help, And You Still Deserve to Heal
Because You Are Still Learning
Each attempt at recovery teaches you more about yourself. Every relapse contains valuable insight, if you’re willing to explore it.
Because Shame Doesn’t Work
Shame keeps you stuck. Support sets you free. You don’t need to carry the weight of judgment — not from others, and not from yourself.
Because Your Life Is Worth Fighting For
Your relapse doesn’t erase your future. It doesn’t erase your potential. It simply means you need more of the right support, and we’re here to offer it.
Because We Don’t Expect You to Be Perfect
At Bali Harmony Rehab, we don’t see relapse as failure. We see it as a normal and addressable part of the process. We know that lasting sobriety doesn’t come easily, it comes with vigilance. And we’ll help you build the structure, support, and insight required to stay on track long-term.
Client Spotlight: Healing After Multiple Relapses
One client, Emma*, came to Bali Harmony after three previous attempts at rehab. Each time, she made progress, but something was always missing, deeper trauma work, a more personalised routine, or stronger post-rehab support.
With us, she received RTT therapy, dopamine-focused nutrition, and a highly structured aftercare plan. This time, something clicked. She’s now 6 months sober, working in the mental health industry, and living proof that recovery doesn’t depend on how many times you’ve fallen, but how many times you’re willing to get back up.
(*Name changed for privacy.)
How Bali Harmony Rehab Supports You After Relapse
Relapsing doesn’t mean you need to start from scratch. It just means you need a recovery programme that goes deeper. Here’s how we help clients after relapse:
Personalised Treatment Adjustments
We review your past treatment experience and relapse history to design a plan that targets what was previously missing.
In-Depth Trauma Therapy
Using Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), inner child healing and nervous system regulation, we address the emotional roots of repeated substance use.
Daily Dopamine Restoration
Our dopamine therapy protocols are built to restore natural dopamine levels — essential after periods of substance abuse.
Holistic Daily Routine
Structured days with yoga, breath-work, meditation, cold plunges, community connection and creative therapies give clients the tools to regulate emotions and stay grounded.
We offer post-rehab transition support with housing, coaching, relapse prevention tools, and alumni check-ins — because what happens after rehab is just as important as what happens during it.
What to Do If You’ve Relapsed
If you’ve experienced a relapse after rehab, take heart, and take action. Here's how:
1. Don’t Panic or Judge Yourself: You are not alone. You are not a failure. You are someone who needs and deserves more support.
2. Get Honest With Yourself: What happened? What needs weren’t being met? Reflect with compassion, not criticism.
3. Reach Out, Even If You’re Embarrassed: You may feel like you can’t ask for help again, but you can. We’re not here to judge, we’re here to guide you home to yourself.
We are here to support you every step of the way, whether that is information, support or even eventually another stint in rehab.
Final Thoughts: You Can Still Recover, and We’re Here When You’re Ready
Relapse after rehab doesn’t mean the end. In many cases, it’s the moment you begin again with more clarity, commitment and care.
At Bali Harmony Rehab, we walk beside people who’ve tried before. We honour their courage to come back and go deeper. And we offer the tools to build not just sobriety, but a life you actually want to stay sober for.
Whether this is your first, third or tenth time seeking help, your healing is still possible. You still deserve it. And we’re here to walk with you, whenever you’re ready.
What Our Clients Say
“I was so ashamed to reach out after I relapsed. I thought I’d blown my chance. But Bali Harmony didn’t make me start over from zero. They helped me understand what went wrong, and gave me the strength to try again, this time with more honesty, more support, and more belief in myself. I remain clean to this day.”
— Anon Client, Sydney, Australia
Ready to Try Again?
If you’ve relapsed and you’re not sure what to do next, we’re here to listen. Reach out today for a confidential, judgement-free conversation with our team. Contact us or call us directly we’ll support you through the next step with care and clarity.
Reviewed By
Dr. Amelia DN Sugiharta
Consulting Psychiatric Doctor, Bali Harmony Rehab
Last medically reviewed: July 2025