Any advice on relapses?

Hello and Goodmorning,

I am a Registered Intern (Associate) therapist who works in inpatient Substance Use Treatment. Had a rough night last night where 3 of my clients are being excused of leaving property to relapse. I wanted to ask about some patterns I noticed with relapse and ask if other counselors have noticed the same thing and any advice

1. A lot of the relapses tend to happen on the days that I’m off. I can’t tell if that’s coincidence (since my off days are Friday/Saturday which are typical days most people would go out and use substances) or if it’s something bigger like the lack of accountability with me not being there?

2. ⁠A good number of the relapses are happening the day after I do session with them. I learned a lot in school about wrapping clients up at the end of session so I don’t leave them emotionally charged. I’m wondering if I’m not wrapping clients up well enough. How do you deal with this? It’s typical when I have a session with them and the next day I’m off but still.

3. ⁠What do you say after a relapse? I usually create a safe space for them to open about why the relapse happened, help them process any guilt/shame, provide psychoeducation on relapse being apart of the recovery process and use MI as an encourager to get back on the horse, but I’m wondering if I’m doing enough? Or if I’m not hard hitting about relapses.

4. ⁠How do you deal with not making the relapses a reflection of yourself and your work as a therapist?

5. ⁠I am required to do weekly check-ins with the client’s family. I am going to ask my Director but wanted to know if any of your do or don’t tell the families about the relapse and your reasons why? Full ROIs for the family members of course.

6. ⁠Any resources that helped your clients with addiction or helped you become a better therapist?

TLDR: I work in inpatient substance use and 3 of my clients were excused of leaving property to relapse (UA pending). Any patterns you’ve noticed relevant to relapses while in treatment/therapy? Any advice on how to deal with relapses? Any resources that could help?