Expert: Charles I. - 10/7/2007

Question
My husband and I are facing a variety of stressfull situations including bankrupcy.  I just found out yesterday that he relapsed and starting using coke again after 18 months of sobriety.   There is an outpatient program locally so he can continue to work during the day but I don't know if that it sufficient.  I am afraid to tell his family.  I don't know what to do.

Answer
Hi Tina, thanks for your question. Cocaine addiction is tough to overcome and relapse is not unusual...especially during difficult times like you are encountering now. If your husband has 18 months of successful recovery I believe that is a good sign. It is important to remember that a relapse is not the end of the world, but he has to return to working on his recovery sooner than later. Like most things, the longer he waits to work on his addiction the harder it is to get started again.
The outpatient tx might be good for him to attend so that he can get some counseling on behavioral changes that need to be made to help facilitate a successful recovery. In addition, I would highly recommend that he attends NA and start working the steps, as well as getting a sponsor. He needs positive support and positive people around him right now. Whether you tell his family or not is a decision you have to make...you probably know best how they will react, but the support of loved ones and people who are important to him can be very beneficial to his recovery.
You know, sometimes relapse can be a useful tool for someone trying to beat addiction...it helps the person to realize that they are never cured of their addiction and can help to keep them motivated to work on their recovery.
I hope this is some help to you and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Good Luck,
Charles