The REAL Definition of Relapse – And Why It Matters
by Michael Walsh
Most people will use substances again after treatment and many within a few months. Does this mean treatment "didn't work" and all hope is lost?
As an addiction family therapist, Lara Okoloko sees parents of teens and young adults who live in despair over the chaos that often comes from living with someone with an active addiction. It is difficult to exaggerate the heartache of a parent who fears the death of their little boy or girl because of addiction.
They set their eyes on rehab with the expectation that it will put an end to this misery. They eagerly shell out $5,000 on an intervention and willingly prepare to spend the long-saved college fund – or take out a second mortgage – on a single episode of inpatient rehab, if only their child will agree to go!
Read the rest of the piece Lara wrote on January 7th, 2015 here.
About Lara Okoloko
Lara Okoloko, LICSW is a clinical social worker in private practice in Seattle, Washington, specializing in treating the family members of people with substance use disorders. Working mostly with parents of young adults with addictions and mental health struggles, she recognizes the need for more than psycho-education and advice about detaching. Using evidenced based practices, Lara has created an empowering family counseling program for people living with a loved one with an addiction, helping people to lead change and healing in their families. You can contact Lara here.
Getting started with a Sober Coach and Interventionist
I’m a Certified and Credentialed Addiction Recovery Coach & Interventist with extensive knowledge in the field of substance use disorders. I’ve been trained by some of the best in the field and continue to remain active in various recovery communities both in Canada, and internationally.
If you’re looking for help to stop drinking, help to moderate drinking, or support in dealing with a substance use concern of any kind, please feel free to reach out to me. I offer one-on-one recovery coaching, family support, and drug and alcohol intervention services.
I offer a no-charge consult call to anyone who has questions about their own substance use, or the substance use of a family member. These calls are completely confidential with no pressure to make a decision before you feel entirely ready.
And if you’re still wondering, “do I have a drinking problem?”, please check out this blog post, where you’ll find helpful steps for evaluating the role that alcohol plays in your life. If you want to know more about how to help someone with a substance use concern please read my article about deploying the CRAFT Model of Addiction.
I’d also like to invite you to read more about my personal story here.
If you’re ready to explore the potential of working together, I’d love to chat. Michael is based in Victoria British Columbia Canada and as of June 26, 2022 the other Recovery Coaches on the team are based in Nanaimo, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. Because we all work virtually — we can work with anyone no matter what city, province or country around the world. We have clients in Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, New York City, Denver, Nashville, Berlin, Tel Aviv, London, Singapore and Australia.
Michael Walsh
Phone or Text: 250.896.8494
Email: Coach@MichaelWalsh.com
Chat: Start a WhatsApp chat
About the Author
Michael Walsh
When I say I’ve been there, I mean it. I am a different person now, and I am fired up about helping other people get to the place where they, too, are living better, healthier, and bigger lives.
