Categories: Health

Understanding Relapse in Addiction: Causes, Signs, and Recovery

Recovery from any addiction is like a battle. It is a tough battle that never ends. It has its victories and defeats. Victories are associated with getting rid of the desire to use substances when a person enjoys a normal life. But sometimes it happens that circumstances become stronger than a person and he or she returns to the dark past again. In this article, we will talk about what relapse is, why it happens, how to recognize the signs of an impending relapse, and how to deal with it.

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What is meant by relapse

What is a relapse? It is when a person has not used drugs or alcohol for a long time, but because of some event, they start using again. This happens to many people, and it is almost impossible to predict whether or not it will happen to a particular person.

A bit of statistics. People who have undergone treatment for alcohol addiction use alcohol 80% of the time within a year. The situation with opioids is even more frightening: 80-95% of people experience relapse after treatment. But that doesn’t mean addicts completely revert back to their old disease. The scenarios vary:

one-time substance use followed by a return to sober living;
resumption of addiction with recognition of the problem and treatment at a rehab;
a return to drugs or alcohol and refusal of rehab.

It is important not to see relapse as a weakness, failure, or poor performance in rehab treatment. It is, if I may say so, one point on the road to sustained recovery.

Why relapses happen

Anything can be a trigger for relapse. Most often it is stress experienced after a relationship with other people, meeting with “friends from the past”, visiting places where alcohol is drunk or drugs are used.

The main causes of relapses:

stress in any form: death of a loved one, cheating spouse, quarrel with parents, loss of job, problems with studies;
acquaintance or closer socialization with people who abuse psychoactive substances;
going to bars, clubs, parties;
illness;
boredom.

People who have a history of long-term drug or alcohol use are more likely to relapse. The likelihood is greater the longer the length of abuse.

Often relapse occurs against the background of exacerbation of mental disorders, the treatment of which is not given the necessary attention. People with a dual diagnosis are at particular risk.

Signs of an impending relapse

A breakdown doesn’t happen instantly, it is usually preceded by 3 stages:

Emotional. The person begins to feel the emotions he or she experienced before when he or she was using substances. This causes him to move toward patterns of behavior that are characteristic of addicted people. During this stage, he may deny the problem, withdraw from socializing with friends and family, and become more irritable and anxious;
Mental. At this stage, the person still realizes that using alcohol or drugs will have a negative impact on their condition, but the desire to experience euphoria is so strong that they are constantly thinking about it. Excuses of the type “nothing bad will happen if you do it only once” appear;
Physical. This is when the addict goes from thoughts to action. It can be a one-time use or substance use over several months.

How to realize that you are close to relapse? Your family and friends should also be aware of the signs of an impending relapse.

These signs should include:

increased irritability;
uncharacteristic impulsivity;
sudden mood swings;
secrecy and avoidance of communication with loved ones;
a return to habits that were present before drug or alcohol treatment;
a strong desire to use psychoactive substances;
denial of having a problem.

If at least one of these signs is observed, it is a reason to contact a rehabilitation center for consultation.

Addiction treatment after relapse

If after a relapse a person has completely returned to the former life of a drug addict or alcoholic, then it is possible to seek help in a luxury drug rehab. Here, in comfortable conditions, he will be able to undergo a rehabilitation program and live a sober life again.

Treatment after a breakdown is practically no different from the usual treatment of addiction. It includes drug detoxification, psychotherapy courses, and other alternative methods of rehabilitation. During the detoxification stage, drugs, alcohol, or their metabolites are removed from the body. Psychotherapy helps to restore correct behavior patterns, motivate a person to do the right thing, and teach him or her to avoid triggers.

It is important to realize that returning to treatment is not something to be ashamed of. On the contrary, it shows that the person is serious. Treatment after relapse can include both short maintenance programs and full rehabilitation. It all depends on how long the person has been using substances.

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