{"id":13284,"date":"2023-12-11T17:45:50","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T22:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mentalhe180dev.wpenginepowered.com\/news\/your-friend-or-family-member-starts-using-again-now-what\/"},"modified":"2025-10-13T08:39:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T13:39:47","slug":"your-friend-or-family-member-starts-using-again-now-what","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.grafik.mentalhealthfirstaid.org\/es\/news\/your-friend-or-family-member-starts-using-again-now-what\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Friend or Family Member Starts Using Again: Now What?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Recovering from a substance use challenge, whether it\u2019s drugs or alcohol, is a process with ups and downs. It can be a rollercoaster ride for the person in recovery as well as their family, friends, peers and colleagues. Unfortunately, people in recovery from a substance or alcohol use disorder often return to using the substance. This used to be referred to as a \u201crelapse.” Using person-first language, such as \u201ca person who starts using again,\u201d is more respectful, sensitive verbiage. Knowing this \u2014 and having an idea of what to do when someone resumes an unhealthy and dangerous habit \u2014 can play a significant role in their recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

En Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)<\/a> manual states that using substances after attempting to stop can be part of the recovery process. Understanding this will help you as you navigate the next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says marked by growth, improved habits and sometimes setbacks. These setbacks are a natural part of the process and fostering resilience is essential for all individuals, family and peers. Recovery is dependent on a variety of factors including the person\u2019s strengths, weaknesses, culture, background (including trauma), and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a person starts using again, it is not a sign of failure or weakness. It only means there was a lapse in coping patterns that need to be replaced with new, healthier options.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When someone you know starts using again, there are actions to take immediately for safety reasons, and ones that can happen later to encourage resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immediate actions<\/strong> can help and support the person\u2019s safety and wellbeing. Those include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n