Relapse is when someone has gone through addiction treatment to achieve sobriety but, after some time, begins using again. Chronic relapse is when someone repeatedly seeks treatment but falls back into using substances after each treatment. It is important not to view your or anyone else’s relapse as a personal failure. Instead, seek ways to improve the potential for the next round of treatment to be the one that keeps you on the road to recovery. Reach out to us at [Direct] to learn about how our alumni program can assist you, or a loved one avoid relapse.
Causes of Chronic Relapse
Chronic relapse is a cycle where a person receives addiction treatment and maintains sobriety for a while. However, they then fall back into their addiction to the point of requiring further treatment. It often stems from a range of common issues, including:
- A failure to fully engage in aftercare, such as support groups or ongoing therapy
- A stressful or triggering living environment
- Untreated or unresolved mental health disorders
- Lack of social or family support network
Fortunately, if someone you love is struggling with relapse, then there is support available.
Signs of Relapse
A pivotal element to heading off a future relapse is to understand the signs that preface a relapse. These apply in cases of first-time relapse, just as they do in chronic cases. One of the most common warning signs of relapse is when a person begins to romanticize past drug use. They may regularly reminisce about how good things used to be or dwell on the positive feelings they previously associated with using drugs.
Another critical sign is sudden behavioral changes. This could look like someone ceasing aftercare, such as support group attendance. It could also resemble social isolation or withdrawal. Similarly, another sign of relapse is if someone stops engaging in hobbies or activities they previously invested time and energy in.
However, perhaps the clearest sign of relapse is when a person in recovery begins doubting the efficacy of their recovery process. When someone does not believe they are able to get better as part of their treatment program, chances are they won’t.
Effective Ways of Addressing Chronic Relapse
While no one method is guaranteed to work in all cases, addressing chronic relapse is possible. We round up three of the most effective ways below.
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectic Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are two proven methods for improving morale and shifting thought patterns to benefit recovery. These therapies rely on changing the underlying thoughts and motivations that lead someone to drug use in the first place.
2. Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is a program that seeks to tackle a patient’s addiction at the same time as an underlying mental health disorder. Untreated mental health issues are one of the biggest causes of chronic relapse. Thus, it makes sense that simultaneously addressing addiction and a mental health disorder can provide patients with a better chance of avoiding relapse.
3. Long-Term Rehab
Sometimes the best option to avoid relapse is to engage in long-term rehab. Most rehab programs last a couple of weeks or 30 days at most. Some patients may need more time. Long-term rehab typically lasts 90 days or more. This treatment provides the time and space to fully address addiction and any underlying issues before someone leaves the program.
Achieving Sobriety at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
Georgia Addiction Treatment Center understands how difficult it is to recover from addiction. At the same time, no case is hopeless. We believe healing is possible for everyone and dedicate our services to support you from the moment you contact us until you achieve the mental and physical wholeness you deserve. Contact our team at [Direct] to learn about our addiction treatment programs and how they might benefit you or a loved one today.
