The keys to avoiding chronic relapsing are a strong support system, planning, and knowledge of the signs of relapse. Remaining drug free can be a struggle, but you don’t have to work through everything on your own. You can rely on friends and family for support, as well as a medical professional or facility. However, support isn’t all that can help you recover and avoid relapse. Understanding the behavior behind relapse can greatly increase your chances of staying clean.
There are many reasons as to why people relapse. It doesn’t make a difference if you’ve been clean for a week or for years; addiction can affect everyone and anyone, and you need to be aware of the reasons that cause relapse. If you are continuously repeating the first couple steps in a 12-step program, you may have become used to the pattern. You can deal with the first week or two of recovery, but you are accustomed to the relapse that follows shortly after.
Researchers have been able to identify a rough outline of the signs and steps that addicts go through before relapsing. The process usually begins with attitude changes before continuing on to increased stress, denial, withdrawal symptoms, behavior modification, social collapse, no daily schedule, judgement errors, irrational decisions, and withdrawal from treatment. Finally, the recovering addict may relapse, and with each relapse, they are able to mask the signs of relapse better.
The best options to prevent and stop relapse are counseling and management. Counseling allows the addict and family to recognize the signs of relapse and develop a plan to stop it once it is identified. Management is sometimes necessary when the addict has a higher relapse risk, and an increased level of management and watchfulness is beneficial. However, relapse can still occur, and the addict and family members should not become discouraged if it happens again.
If relapse occurs again after the plans and strategies have been made, there are several options to decide upon. The family and addict can change treatment strategy plans; in addition to opening opportunities for different results, it can also help the addict break out of the pattern of recovery and relapse they have become used to. Long-term treatment can also be beneficial. Some insurance companies do not cover the several month programs, but they can greatly improve the addict’s chances of sustaining recovery. If the situation seems impossible, a change of location may be necessary. By relocating, the addict can remove themselves from previous triggers and bad influences. New perspectives and opportunities have the chance to grow, and a healthier environment is usually present.
Lead Recovery can provide a safe and healthy environment for recovery and relapse prevention. Nobody should have to carry the trials of recovery and healing alone. Call (800) 380-0012 to begin a new journey of recovery and healing with a team of supporters behind you the whole way.
