Substance abuse Treatment - How to approach Relapse
Although relapse is a very common occurrence, it is still confusing and frightening for addicts, their friends, as well as their families. Many times, it strikes at unexpected times - even when substance abusers happen to be diligent using their post-treatment recovery efforts. The causes of relapse depend on addicts' individual circumstances, not their unique drugs, and recovery efforts are highly individual.
The severity of relapse varies greatly. Sometimes addicts will experience minor slips - one-time drug uses followed by immediate returns to clean living. They will often enter outpatient rehab programs to get back in line. They receive the same evidence-based therapies as inpatients, however they only attend their clinics for a few hours daily. They are then liberated to spend the rest of their time tending to their families, careers, and other personal obligations. Overall, people who slip need just a little of additional help to maintain the lifestyle changes they provided during more intensive treatment programs.
However, some addicts experience much longer-term relapses. Due to stress, the influence of drug-using friends, or any other addiction triggers, they may return to heavy drug use for months or years. Regardless of the progress they provided before, they might end up living just as they did before they ever sought treatment. For these people, inpatient rehab programs are usually required. Their long relapses undo many of their positive changes in lifestyle, plus they need highly involved treatment plans to achieve sobriety once more. They might also require a high level of supervision to stay away from drugs long enough to redevelop effective coping strategies.
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is usually the reason for addicts' relapses. PAWS takes hold immediately after the withdrawal of detox subsides, however it often lingers for months or even years after treatment programs are complete. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, constant physical pain, and cognitive impairment compel many sufferers to quickly go back to drug use. In fact, PAWS is the leading cause of relapse among recovering addicts. Rehab clinics across the nation are actually making mitigation of these symptoms a high priority.
Regardless of the social stigmas associated with addiction, relapse is certainly not to be embarrassed with. Because it is so likely, most rehab specialists treat it as part of the constant learning process of coping with addiction. What is most important for relapsed addicts is they continue to seek treatment and remain diligent using their recovery efforts.
If you're experiencing addiction or experiencing a relapse, click the links below to find a treatment facility in your area. Whether you've already received treatment or never turn up to a clinic, a drug rehab program will help you get back on the best track. Don't wait until it's past too far - get help today.