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If you have suffered from a drug or alcohol relapse Recovery Connection can help. Call 1-800-993-3869, 24/7 and speak with a specially trained addiction treatment coordinator. Our staff, many of whom are in recovery, understand addiction and relapse. Getting the right treatment for your needs is paramount. Call now and rest assured, all calls are confidential.
Drug or alcohol addiction relapse is returning to drug use or drinking, and potentially full blown addiction, after some period of abstinence. A drug addict or alcoholic may have been sober for a short time or many years. Relapse happens for many reasons. A flare-up of psychiatric symptoms, spending time in old hangouts, financial troubles, or depression can make an addict more prone to relapse. Seemingly positive life events that are emotionally charged can also lead to a relapse, such as getting a promotion, receiving a raise, or getting married.
A drug or alcohol relapse can be a "slip", where the drug addict or alcoholic uses a substance for a short period of time and subsequently gets right back on track with recovery. Alternatively, a relapse can be a full return to the use of drugs or alcohol with all the associated consequences and mental health issues.
The longer a relapse goes unchecked, the more difficult it is and the longer it takes to re-enter full recovery. As one uses drugs and alcohol, profound changes occur within the body and brain. The longer a person uses substances, the more time the brain has to enter an abnormal physiologic state and the more time it will take to recover. The brain of drug addicts and alcoholics carries a type of "memory" of substance dependence. Even a short relapse can lead to a rapid and devastating return to abnormal brain receptor function, tolerance for the substance, and subsequent withdrawal. This entire process can occur extremely rapidly, over a period of days to weeks, rather than years.
Signs of distorted thinking that can lead to a relapse:
*For more, see "12 Stupid Things That Mess up Recovery" by Allen Berger, Ph.D.
Stress produces hormonal changes that can lead to emotional and/or behavioral changes. A strong recovery plan and support group help a drug addict combat these changes and maintain sobriety. A relapse is best handled by prevention. However, if a relapse occurs, a full recovery can still be achieved.
A regression of healthy coping skills, or a regression in one's ability to deal with a psychiatric illness, difficulties in dealing with social situations, finances, etc., can pre-date a full relapse. By dealing with regressive signs and symptoms, one can prevent a complete relapse.
A balanced, comprehensive, and supportive social circle is paramount. This circle can be comprised of family, co-workers and supportive colleagues, healthcare professionals, and especially other recovering persons, such as those found in the 12 Step fellowships.
Oftentimes, these relapse symptoms will be first recognized by the drug addict or alcoholic's support network. Because the disease of addiction is characterized by denial and minimization early in the relapse phase, an addict or alcoholic may not feel differently. In fact, he or she may feel happy and believe that all is going well. However, a little dishonesty, skipping a couple of meetings, and the feeling of having complete control over one's disease can become progressive, ultimately leading to a full relapse on substances.
Remember, it is easier to prevent a relapse than it is to gain sobriety again and deal with all of addiction's consequences. Relapse can occur even if the drug addict or alcoholic does not have any actual cravings for the disease. They may find themselves suddenly holding a drink or a crack pipe, or making appointments to see the healthcare providers who were prescribing the narcotics that he or she gave up.
Missing a meeting or two, skipping counseling, or forgetting dosages of medication from time-to-time may seem harmless to the addict or alcoholic. However, these behaviors can spiral out of control leading to a relapse. Alternatively, having a difficult day, a craving, or a drug dream does not mean a person is in a regression/relapse mode. Relapse and regression are characterized by specific behaviors. If a recovering person has a drug dream, but talks about it with his/her sponsor, this demonstrates a healthy coping skill, and a normal part of recovery. The presence or absence of feelings or stressors does not necessarily indicate that a relapse is imminent.
Stress is a part of everyday life. The body releases stress hormones, such as catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) and cortisol. These hormones can induce states of sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, and change one's appetite, all of which are relapse triggers.
Some signs of a drug relapse are:
A quality alcohol and drug relapse prevention program helps the drug addict uncover his or her unique triggers and teaches him/her how to manage emotional challenges while in recovery. In addiction treatment you will develop a relapse prevention plan which will help you cope with the stresses of life and identify triggers that could lead to a relapse. After you go through an alcohol and drug rehab program, you will then move on to aftercare. In aftercare, you'll need to:
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