Addiction Relapse

By Author: Care Addiction
Total Articles: 38
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Alcohol and drug addiction recovery is a long process. There is no quick answer to the problem of relapse. Recovery is a lifelong process, and there are always chances for relapses to happen.

What Is Relapse?

A relapse occurs when an addicted person fails to remain abstinent and returns to old levels of use.

Because addiction is a chronic condition, it is common for a person recovering from addiction to relapse one or more times during their recovery process before successfully quitting.

In order to prevent relapse, good treatment programs include a relapse prevention plan as part of their process.

Stages & Signs Relapse

The relapse process does not occur suddenly - it takes weeks to even months for it to take place. There are several stages that allow early identification of signs and symptoms.

The National Library of Medicine (NIH) describes the stages of relapse as follows:

Emotional Relapse

An ...
... individual does not intend to drink or use a substance at this stage; however, their emotions and behaviors may be putting them at an increased risk of future use.

Signs:

Experiencing isolation
Low social support
Not attending or sharing in meetings
Poor self-care
Focusing on other people’s problems instead of their own

Mental Relapse

At this point, an individual contemplates using, may miss their former friends and activities, while still trying to resist the urge to use.

Signs:

Craving a substance
Thinking about, maybe even missing the people, places, and things associated with their substance use
Exaggerating the positive aspects of past use
Minimizing the consequences of past use
Lying, bargaining, or trying to plan ways to use while still maintaining control
Seeking opportunities to relapse

Physical Relapse

Individuals who have resumed their use of the substance are in this stage.

What To Do

Recognize that relapses occur - it is not a failure. When someone relapses, they need extra support and treatment right now. It is best to find an addiction treatment program and get help right away.

If you or a loved one has experienced a relapse on drugs or alcohol, call Care Addiction Center in Illinois at: (630) 402-0144

Care Addiction Center provides compassionate, confidential & professional treatment services for adults suffering from alcohol & substance abuse. We believe that recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction is possible, even in very late stages. Our experienced and caring staff is dedicated to providing comprehensive drug treatment services for alcoholism and substance abuse with multiple levels of care. Substance Abuse Treatment for Kane County, Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles, Elburn, South Elgin, West Chicago, and Aurora Illinois.