A severe relapse may require inpatient treatment, but outpatient therapy may be appropriate for some people. During treatment, clients will learn why they relapsed and take steps to prevent another relapse in the future. The recovering brain is susceptible to depression, anxiety relapse prevention and other mental health issues. Using drugs or alcohol can seem like the easiest way to feel happy or normal. Loneliness and a lack of social support can also make alcohol or drug use more appealing. People in recovery from addiction may relapse for several reasons.
It’s possible to predict that some events—parties, other social events—may be problematic. It’s wise to create in advance a plan that can be enacted on the spot—for example, pre-arranging for a friend or family member to pick you up if you text or call. • Avoid situations where people are likely to use drugs or alcohol. People can move on from the relapse with a stronger commitment to avoiding future relapses by avoiding or managing triggers before they occur. It is common, even expected, that people who are attempting to overcome addiction will go through one or even several relapses before successfully quitting.
Identify Triggers
However, if you have a solid plan to confront such cravings, a relapse won’t be on the radar. It can bring on feelings of shame, frustration, and often cause someone to feel as if they are incapable of changing their behavior or achieving their goals. Research shows that social support indicates long-term success, while peer pressure and unsupportive relationships can lead to relapse. Some relapses start with lapses that become more prolonged or frequent until the individual returns to uncontrolled substance use.
As part of their all-or-nothing thinking, they assume that change means they must change everything in their lives. It helps them to know that there is usually only a small percent of their lives that needs to be changed. It can also be assuring to know that most people have the same problems and need to make similar changes. 1) Clients often want to put their addiction behind them and forget that they ever had an addiction. They feel they have lost part of their life to addiction and don’t want to spend the rest of their life focused on recovery. Clinical experience has shown that common causes of relapse in this stage are poor self-care and not going to self-help groups.
Identify Actions to Take When Relapse Occurs
• Unpleasant feelings including hunger, anger, loneliness, and fatigue. If you or someone you know experiences a relapse, there are things that you can https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/warning-signs-of-drug-use-and-addiction/ do to cope and get help. Download our comprehensive eBook now for insights, strategies, and real-life stories to guide your journey to recovery.