Unfortunately, relapse rates for people entering recovery from drug or alcohol addiction are quite high. Studies show that between 40 and 60% of people relapse within 30 days of leaving an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center, and up to 85% relapse during the first year. It is important for people struggling with dependence on alcohol or other substances to recognize the high risk of relapse, to be aware of their own personal triggers, and to learn to cope with their triggers and emotions in a healthy way. Through understanding the common risks of addiction relapse, people can be better equipped and better able to maintain their recovery. Here is a list of 10 common triggers that contribute to addiction relapse: mental stress, physical stress, boredom, loneliness, financial problems, relationship problems, social pressure, environmental triggers, emotional triggers, and physical cravings.
Once a mental relapse has occurred, it usually doesn't take long to move to the physical relapse stage. This is the stage at which you think most often when you hear the term relapse. Physical relapse occurs when a person consumes the substance, breaking his sobriety. Using only once can cause intense cravings to continue using, and the possibility of re-entering constant substance abuse prevails.
It is vital that a person return to treatment as soon as possible. In addition to understanding the common triggers of addiction relapse, it is also important to understand how addiction affects the whole family. Substance abuse treatment works by helping individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors related to consumption. Because addiction can affect many aspects of a person's life, treatment must address the needs of the whole person to be successful. When a person recovering from an addiction relapses, this indicates that they need to talk to their doctor to resume treatment, modify it, or try another treatment. The 12-key model provides you with individualized treatment to ensure that your addiction recovery is tailored to your specific needs.
According to NIDA, “When a person recovering from an addiction relapses, it indicates that the person needs to talk to their doctor to resume treatment, modify it, or try another treatment. Like other chronic diseases, such as heart disease or asthma, treatment for drug addiction is not usually a cure. Treatment allows people to counteract the disruptive effects of addiction on the brain and behavior and regain control of their lives. It's not uncommon to need professional help to stop using after a relapse; many people benefit from the extra support of an addiction treatment program for the second and even third time (or more, in some cases). Jeffrey's mission is to educate and inform the public about addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them. As with other chronic illnesses, relapses during addiction may simply indicate that you need to start treatment again or adjust the current course of your recovery plan.
The chronic nature of addiction means that for some people, relapsing or returning to drug use after an attempt to stop using drugs may be part of the process. However, newer treatments are designed to help prevent relapses. By understanding common triggers for addiction relapse and how they affect families as well as individuals struggling with substance abuse issues, we can better equip ourselves with knowledge and resources needed for successful recovery.