Sherry Gaba LCSW, Psychotherapist, Life and Recovery Coach on Celebrity Rehab on VH1 and Author of “The Law of Sobriety” which uses the law of attraction to recover from any addiction. Please download your copy of “Eliminate Limiting Beliefs”, from Sherry’s, Enrich Your Life series. Contact Sherry at sherry@sgabatherapy.com for webinars, teleseminars, coaching packages and speaking engagements. Join Sherry for Conscious Awakenings: Manifest Your Life Purpose Spring Tele-Summit 2011

Whitney Houston’s name has been associated with drugs and addiction for many years. The Grammy Award winner and legendary music icon has had a rocky relationship with addiction, her former husband Bobby Brown along with speculation and media attention. She has been scrutinized for her weight, her marriage, her former husband, her reality show and addiction. Recently her representatives have confirmed that Ms. Houston has entered out patient treatment for addiction due to a relapse.

In a statement, the 47-year-old singer’s representative announced, “Whitney Houston is currently in an out-patient rehab program for drug and alcohol treatment.” The rep added, “Whitney voluntarily entered the program to support her long-standing recovery process.”

Whitney has spent time in rehab before, and has had sober time throughout her allegedly long battle with drugs. Recovery can be difficult for an individual who has been in treatment several times, had some sober time and relapses. Feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment can hinder the individual who relapsed, causing them to feel that they have failed. If relapse occurs, it is critical that the individual seek professional treatment. A relapse can often result with devastating consequences. On a positive note, relapse does not equal failure.

Give yourself a thousand second chances. The journey towards a successful recovery can be filled with twists and turns. Relapse is never on the agenda, but if it does occur, help is still available. There are measures that can be taken to help prevent relapse.

Preventing a relapse requires being mindful. Be aware of people, places and things that trigger you to repeat old behaviors. Dealing with emotions and using tools like meditation, exercise and fellowship meetings can also be helpful in preventing a relapse. The key thing to remember is that if you find that you are tempted to use your drug of choice, pick up your phone first. Call a trusted individual or a trained professional. Taking the extra minute to make a call instead of using is the best tool you have to prevent a relapse.

Whitney’s current circumstances show that even though relapse may occur, recovery is still possible. In and outpatient treatment centers provide the support that individuals need to have a successful recovery. The 47-year-old singer has given herself the best gift in the world, a second chance.