Drug Addict and Alcoholic Relapse Prevention

Addiction is a disease that can be treated just like any other disease. However, like some chronic illnesses, substance abuse can only be managed and not cured. There are available medications that can help people overcome their addiction and allow them to beat the powerful psychological dependency in addition to rehab and therapy. Recovering from addiction is not easy, but with the right support and professional help, it is possible to make a successful recovery. It is important to note that experiencing a relapse is common. This is why most successful programs have drug addict and alcoholic relapse prevention built in to them. These programs help identify high-risk situations that may encourage a person to relapse, according to the University of Washington. If you are worried that you or someone close to you may be addicted to drugs or alcohol, you can call our confidential hotline at 800-660-0986 for advice.

Why Do People Relapse

A relapse refers to a person who resumes the use of a substance that he or she once was addicted to. A person is most likely to relapse within the first 12 months of completing treatment. A relapse can occur for a variety of reasons but is usually initiated with what is known as triggers. Everyone has different triggers, which usually revolve around these three components: re-exposure to the drug, stress, and environment. For example, people who go to pubs and see friends they used to take drugs with for the first time since their treatment are highly likely to relapse. This is because of old triggers or basically things they are familiar with that connect to the substance. These triggers will also bring back good memories of using the substance, making the person question about stopping.

How to Cope With a Relapse

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Rehab

Inpatient and outpatient alcohol and drug addiction rehab programs have helped many patients who had become addicted to one or more substances break their addictions and return to normal, productive lives.

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Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent a relapse, but there are things a person can do to reduce the chances of experiencing one. Returning to rehabilitation will give a person the best chance at recovering from relapse and staying away from the substance altogether. Attending a drug addict and alcoholic relapse prevention program is another possibility. This can help people understand that relapses do happen and why that is the case. Just as it is difficult to detox without any official support, it is also hard not to relapse completely without the help and support of professionals. There is no shame in returning to a rehab program, especially since the professionals can genuinely help the person prevent another relapse in the future. Some people will have sponsors when they leave rehab. If a person feels uncomfortable contacting the medical staff, then a sponsor is the next option. Reaching out for help, either from a medical professional or even from a loved one, will ensure the person gets the necessary help. If you feel you or someone close to you may have suffered a relapse, you can call our 24-hour confidential helpline at 800-660-0986 for advice. Alternatively, you can complete a quick reply form.

Preventing a Relapse

Just because someone has suffered a relapse does not mean it is permanent. However, those who are in therapy are more likely to pick themselves up from a relapse and continue with a substance-free life, says the Treatment Solutions Network website. Avoiding triggers is probably one of the biggest challenges a recovering addict has to deal with on leaving rehabilitation. Triggers are the high-risk situations a person is most likely to relapse under. Visiting old drug or alcohol haunts, seeing people who also abuse the substance, and feeling under pressure are all potential high-risk situations and likely to encourage a relapse. Successful rehabilitation will teach people how to understand, spot, and avoid their own personal triggers. This should prevent them from turning to the substance in the future. It is also important that friends and families of the recovering addict remain understanding. A drug- and alcohol-free home is essential to assisting a solid recovery.