The process is gradual, developing slowly over some time before there is an actual physical indulgence or lapse into using. Typically, when going through recovery with a trusted facility (check out Taylorrecovery rehab), they will guide their clients through the stages involved in relapsing, so there’s a greater sense of understanding.
In that way, people will know what signs to be aware of to attempt to stop it before it has a chance to take hold. If it catches an addict off guard, relapsing is not something anyone should blame themselves for.
It’s not an indication that the person is a failure but more a suggestion that there is a need for a modified care plan and more effective support services.
From a recovery perspective, relapse is understood and anticipated as part of that process. It’s not considered failing, but often it goes hand in hand with the recovery process, which is in itself an ongoing journey for a lifetime. Addiction is harsh. It’s not something there’s a cure or a magic remedy to relieve.
Some people do better in resolving the issues than others, but it doesn’t merely go away. Addiction is a disease that reoccurs and will relapse if not kept in check. That takes a strong mind, strong body, strong will, which you will develop based on the treatment you seek. Find ways you can avoid relapse at Healthgrades.
Let’s look at some reasons why you should never consider relapsing as an indication that you have failed.
Research studies by industry experts indicate that addiction is considered a “brain disease” since dependence on these vices affects the human brain in several functional capacities.
It can deter making rational decisions, develop cravings and produce undesirable emotions when these are not met, enhance the stress response, weaken the answer to motivation and pleasure for the brain, plus impairs its function when it comes to inhibition control plus affects behavior response.
Since dependence on drugs and alcohol references as a disease and affects brain functionality, relapse is a natural component of the disease. Click for guidance on why recovery from substance use disorders is so challenging.
Falling back into old habits is not unusual as part of the overall treatment program. As per NIDA or “National Institute on Drug Abuse,” statistics claim that nearly 50% of individuals will relapse upon completing their recovery program. That’s consistent with how people respond to treatments for physical illnesses like high blood pressure, where they rank for relapse falls to almost 70%.
While the likelihood for relapse is considerably high, the indication is that this is a natural component of recovery but does not reflect the individual’s personal failure. The longer you remain sober, your chance for success in preventing relapse increases, but the effort endures for a lifetime.
Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a disease, again, for which no one has developed a cure or magic pill that will take away the effects to bring you back to who you were before you established the dependence.
It’s with you forever, and it’s something that you need to put constant time and effort into to ensure you don’t fall back into the trap because relapse is always going to be possible. While you will see progress with recovery, you won’t find a cure.
No one should view relapse as a failure. While it can be frustrating for you, you’re working hard, but sometimes the care plan might need some adjusting to help you out, or perhaps you need a bit more treatment which is no reflection on you personally but more so on the disease.
The recovery facilities can typically implement prevention strategies for relapse, helping you learn the signs to prevent the potential for possible future episodes.
The right program can help individuals with coping skills where they had none before, thus turning to either drugs or alcohol in their attempts to deal with more significant problems than they knew how to handle.
Plus, these programs assist users with cravings, the notion of using drugs or alcohol. In many cases, relaxation methodology and cognitive skills are beneficial techniques to help prevent possible relapse.
A sober lifestyle will probably be new for you and needs to be established to avoid past behaviors, but it won’t keep you from having that occasional relapse. The first step in your progression towards sobriety is to change your life as far as the places you go and the people you interact with regularly, not to mention the thought processes that took you down the unhealthy pathways.
It is possible to carry on a sober lifestyle, but you have to be willing, and there has to be support backing your move. There are many support groups to which recovery programs can lead you. Still, a priority is to develop a strong aftercare plan with the service provider you work with so the process doesn’t stop dead with recovery, and you’re left on your own when you walk out the doors.
That’s the point when you need the most incredible amount of support when leaving recovery. You’re at your most vulnerable with not a clue how to proceed on your own since there are fewer friends because you had to leave behind those you used to revel with, meaning your support system is diminished.
If you’re someone who finds yourself in that position, contact your recovery center and let them know where you are. They won’t leave you in the lurch. They’re there to support you and know relapse is part of the recovery process, especially with each person’s stressors.
You’re not alone; there are friends with your recovery network. Reach out and let them guide you so you can reestablish the friendships with which you’re struggling. Some friends might just not know what to say or how to react. With the right advice from the ideal support system, you can show them.
