Addiction Relapse : Prevention, Causes, And Recovering When It Occurs

Recovery is the process of participating in a group or program providing treatment and support for a longstanding psychological or behavioral problem, such as abuse, addiction, grief, or trauma (Melemis, Steven, 2015). As a non-addict it seems easy enough to make a decision to stop drinking and follow through with that decision when temptation presents itself, but for an alcoholic it is not the simple. However, an alcoholic struggles with the temptation on a daily bases. Relapse prevention begins with addressing social interactions, emotional triggers, and developing positive coping mechanisms. Recovery and relapse requires is a process that should be done with others around to support each step and each phase of the

It is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of people relapse after receiving drug addiction treatment. The vast majority of relapses occur within the first 30 to 60 days after treatment. Additionally, it is estimated that half of people who receive treatment for drugs and alcohol will be re-admitted into a treatment facility within five

In relation to drug abuse, relapse is resuming the use of a chemical substance or drug after a period of abstinence. The term can be said to be a landmark feature of a combination of substance abuse and substance independence. The propensity for dependency, repeated use, and tendencies that take the form of the substance being used, are some of the issues that drug users’ experience. Substances that enhance most severe tendencies in users and pose high pharmacological efficacy, are those that are cleared quickly from the body, in addition to those that bring out the highest tolerance. There can be increased substance tolerance with the increasing dependency in relation to drug in question,

“Traditional… treatment approaches often conceptualize relapse as an end-state, a negative outcome equivalent to treatment failure. Thus, this perspective considers only a dichotomous treatment outcome—that is, a person is either abstinent or relapsed.” (Larimer, 1999). For a substance dependent individual like Rosa, equating abstinence to failure is counter-productive and ineffective. Considering her history of pain management, we can expect that Rosa may feel emotional and physical discomfort without her opiate and alcohol combination. A setback in treatment would be negative, but doesn’t warrant “giving up” on established treatment goals. Relapse may be anticipated with the relapse prevention model, but it is considered to be a part of “the

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the relapse rate is 40-60%. Not only do we need better alternatives to recovery for alcohol and drug addiction, but we must lower the relapse rate. In order to successfully lower the relapse rate we must inform people on the effect gateway drugs can have on future addictions, educating about relapse and addiction and focusing on key factors to making a treatment a successful one. My research on lowering relapse rates taught me that the problem is not getting sober, its staying sober.

The use of drug and substance abuse interventions have resulted in a decrease of relapses throughout the United States due to the amount of support each participant receives, the unique treatments each person gets, and those who receive treatment are automatically better off than those who do not receive treatment.

On the contrary, the comprehensive multi-dimensional assessment tool documents medical history, physical exams, family and social history, alcohol/drug histories. In addition to, documentation which includes sexual/mental health information collateral reporting of family and friends signed/or consented from the client, before any contact with others sharing of information and lab test. In summary, relapse education strategies include, teaching clients how incorporate self-regulation and relapse skills or strategies, to avoid a lapse and stay in recovery or continue sobriety. Next, to develop an understanding of General factors as to what causes a person to relapse begins with basic information such as medical social or clinical information.

Relapse prevention is a comprehensive plan accounts for social interactions, emotional triggers and the development of positive coping mechanisms (Alcoholic and Drug Addict Relapse Prevention Suggestions, 2015). From the social interaction’s aspect, patients with substance abuse should interact with people who are able to recognize their issues and offer moral support in a daily basis. Loss of a loved one, change in employment, health issues, changes in financial situation, and change in marital status are considered as emotional triggers. The patient

For this type of clientele, counselors need to be aware of the chances of relapse and how to address it, such as being knowledgeable between the differences of a “lapse” and a “relapse”. Jackson-Cherry and Erford (2018) state that a lapse is one episode of using a drug then becoming abstinence and a relapse is when the client begins to abuse the substance for a period of time following a phase of abstinence. Nevertheless, clients can attend support calls called Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) outside of therapy. Becoming a part of these support groups can influence the client in staying abstinence and form alliances with other members who desire to stay clean from drugs or alcohol (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2018).

However, the client stated that because of his addiction, "I hit rock bottom before I got locked up this time around". The client expressed that he was homeless, living in the woods, overdosed several times, has a lengthy criminal record. He was informed by his father that if he doesn’t get "clean" he would not let him see his son again. The client expressed that if he doesn’t maintain sobriety, "I could die". The client has developed insight into his addiction and has identified several triggers and relapse warning signs. The client has identified and developed several coping skills. The client expressed the importance of aftercare to maintain long-term sobriety. The client attends weekly AA/NA and Big Book meetings in the PWC ADC. The client has picked and is currently working with a

“Relapse is a blended definition of relapse is a breakdown or setback in a person's attempt to change or modify a target behavior following an initial setback, a return to the previous problematic behavior, and the continuous return to substance use or to the dysfunctional patterns of compulsive behavior” (PCN-100 Lecture 5, 2016). Next, a lapse in an individual differs from a relapse, yet can be the focal point or beginning as a one-time use after a capsule time of sobriety, which can lead to a full relapse in the individual.

There can be multiple ways of Identifying a persons warning signs of addiction relapse. It is important to be aware of what they are and how to react so you may be able to assist or get the assistance needed. On the surface many individuals believe it is simple to detect relapse signs but this is not the case. Relapse has many forms and it affects someone in all major ways. A person going through relapse will be effected mentally, physically, and socially.

The article” Relapse and Craving” Alan Leshner, says he estimates that the highest prospect of success is about twenty percent of recovered addicts and eighty percent of drug addicts will relapse back into drug use. It’s interesting but scary to know that the craving of the drug can linger for months or years after one stops using the drugs. The reason why drug addicts cannot stop their craving is because the mind is unable to function normally. When a person is addicted to a drug then the brain will become activated all over the brain versus when a normal human brain is only active in some areas. Steven Hyman, M.D recommends addicted people who had reclaimed from their addiction to avoid surroundings that brings back pleasures and memories

According to the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and the transtheoretical model of change, “for most people with substance abuse problems, recurrence of substance use is the rule not the exception” (Enhancing Motivation for Change, 1999, p. xvii). Relapse can and most likely will occur in recovery, and should be recognized as well as anticipated by substance abuse recovery counselors. The significant challenges to counselors are bringing a client successfully and securely through a relapse and eventually preventing relapse from occurring at all. For many, helping a client find faith in a higher power is an essential piece of the puzzle for overcoming addiction.

There are many contributing factors and political issues that address substance abuse. Throughout the years, many researchers have designed many interventions and social policies designed to treat people who have used, abused, and became addicted to substances. Today, there are many new studies that address substance abuse at the individual, group, family, and community or policy levels. Today, there are many services that are effective for decreasing recidivism in youth who have completed a substance abuse program. A substance abuse treatment program or center is the best way to treat individuals who have abused substances.