Challenges and Chances of Relapse after Recovering From Addiction

Addiction reversion isn’t uncommon among former addicts, statistics have indicated. Studies show that 65-70 percent of people relapse three months into addiction treatment. Therefore, former addicts must remain well-prepared for relapse even while recovering from alcoholism in a rehab center. Now, how to prevent relapse and maintain long-term sobriety after being rehabilitated? Here, we’ve discussed the major causes why most addicts slip back into their former habits after recovering from their harmful cravings. Understanding the reasons – or “triggers” – behind addiction relapse can help addicts become aware of the ways to stay sober. Let’s discuss what makes addicts victims of their cravings again.

What makes an addict relapse?

“Why do I always keep relapsing even after recovering?” Many addicts have asked themselves this query, and there’s a simple answer. “Relapse is a part of your recovery.” Mental health experts haven’t realized how exactly we get addicted to substances in the first place. Therefore, relapse will occur no matter how powerful a program is in which you’ve enrolled. Can you stop yourself from slipping? Yes, an addict can control these emotions, avoid common triggers, and maintain long-term sobriety. Entering an institution can help you get rid of your harmful cravings once and for all. However, it would help if you also backed addiction counselors’ endeavors with your resolve, perseverance, and commitment to stay sober.

The primary strategy in stopping relapse involves contacting a well-reputed rehab center. So, we suggest you visit pbinstitute.com to learn more about the different treatment options they provide. Now, people undergo addiction prevention strategies tailored to their long-term recovery requirements. You can avail of their services, including medical detox, fractional hospitalization, and inpatient/outpatient treatment. Don’t underestimate the importance of relapse prevention after/during recovery. There are several instances of addicts belittling the challenges associated with post-recovery relapse. So, why have many addicts relapsed after getting better? Let’s discuss some reasons why relapse happens:

  • Withdrawal symptoms:-

Addicts suffer from withdrawal symptoms after quitting drugs. The nature of your symptoms can vary from the substance you were addicted and the duration of your addiction. That’s why addicts undergo medical detox before joining a rehab center. They are medicated to regulate these symptoms. That’s why addict patients defeat the pain of quitting. If managed improperly, these painful symptoms force patients to start abusing drugs again.

  • Festivity:-

Birthdays and holidays may become an excuse for former addicts to relapse and start drinking again! While celebrating a joyous occasion, you must remember to cut back on drinking/smoking. Also, ask your counselor to help you prepare a strategy to overcome your temptations.

  • People/places:-

After recovery, experts suggest addicts change their surroundings by cutting ties with things/places (or even people) connected to their addictive behavior/s. Anyone who participated in your addiction has become a potential trigger. Similarly, any place associated with your cravings can trigger relapse now. So, avoid these places/people and hang out with folks who don’t engage in drinking.

  • Overconfidence:-

Many former addicts become overconfident about their willpower. We’ve seen people experiencing a pink cloud after recovery, considering their newfound abstinence irreversible. However, we suggest former addicts stop assuming they’ve been “cured.” Being cocky may hurt the chances of you maintaining your pristine sobriety. So, always remain cautious about the threats of relapse.

  • Mental health issues:-

You have noticed that substance addiction and mental illness often coexist in people. Statistics show that one-third of patients suffering from SUD are also depressed. Sometimes, rehab centers haven’t treated or even diagnosed underlying mental health issues that have made people addicted. So, it’s essential to have these mental health problems adequately dealt with to avoid relapse in the future.

  • Negative emotions:-

Negative emotions are sometimes responsible for the recurrence of your addictive behavior/s. Thus, it would help if you learned how to regulate your emotions. We suggest you practice grounding techniques for living in the moment and overcoming negative thoughts/feelings. Remember that negativity is only a common problem associated with post-recovery stress. 

  • Boredom:-

Experts often blame boredom/isolation for seducing former addicts into relapse. So, we suggest you recreate your purpose and refurbish your identity to avoid post-recovery monotony. It’s almost akin to rebuilding your entire lifestyle from scratch! Include new hobbies now to keep yourself distracted from former cravings. So, these distractions can help you overcome your inner desire to relapse.

  • Lack of support:-

Addiction counselors suggest addicts establish a support system to maintain sobriety. This “system” consists of people who care about you and can help you stay away from drugs in the future. When a person lacks such familial support, they often slip back into nasty habits. It would help if you had someone as your “accountability companion.” Have someone to hold you back from relapse by the force of trust!

  • Stress:-

Addicts are often victims of stress/anxiety, due to which they keep relapsing now and then. So, many folks start consuming to escape certain negative emotions/memories. We suggest you practice meditation to control yourself and engage in regular stress-reducing exercises. Hence, you avoid stress after recovery. 

  • Declining health:-

Many former addicts ignore the need to focus on their mental/physical well-being. They become easy targets to relapse. Self-care stays a crucial aspect of preventing post-recovery relapse. Don’t forget that poor self-care may weaken your immune system and discourage you from keeping yourself abstemious. Also, poor self-hygiene can make you anxious and irritable, thereby open to any invitation to start using again. Therefore, we suggest you focus on your self-care by acting upon:

  • Sleeping properly
  • Eating nutritious meals
  • Working out 30 minutes daily
  • Staying away from eating junk food
  • Meditating (yoga?) to regulate your emotions

Conclusion

We’ve established that relapse isn’t uncommon among reformed addicts. Studies have shown that 85% of people relapse within twelve months of recovery. So, are you thinking about slipping back? Don’t forget that relapse is only a part of your complete recovery from addiction. This article discussed some of the significant reasons why former addicts relapse. 

Many addicts have been compelled by stress/anxiety and boredom/isolation to relapse. Withdrawal symptoms overpowered others. Undiagnosed mental health issues also remain a common reason behind addiction relapse. Therefore, we suggest you contact a rehab center to maintain your sobriety. So, you can mitigate the chances of getting addicted again.