Addiction is not easy to deal with. If you ever helped a loved one get treatment, you know that it is difficult to convince an addict to check into a center and it’s a struggle for them to make it through the program. What’s more heartbreaking is, after many of them complete their rehab, they end up relapsing.
Understanding why relapse happens can make for a higher chance of success in recovery. This article will review why drug or alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing condition.
What Is Drug or Alcohol Addiction?
People may start out using drugs or alcohol for recreational or medical purposes. If they use the drug often and/or take doses that exceed recommendations, their bodies will begin to build a tolerance. They will need to take more of the drug to get the same results.
Their bodies will also get used to having the drug in their systems. Eventually, they will need to take the drug just to feel normal. If they do not take the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that make them feel sick.
Why Is Drug or Alcohol Addiction a Chronic Relapsing Condition?
Drug or alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing condition. Statistics show that 75% of addicts go back to using within their first year sober.
Relapse typically occurs at one of two points. The first is detox.
During detox, patients will feel acute withdrawal symptoms. They know the only ‘cure’ is to go back to using drugs. Many of them start taking drugs again to stop feeling sick.
Patients also often relapse after completing their rehab programs. Once they get back out into the ‘real world’ they start seeing the people that they used with and the places they used in. They may pass the bar on the way home from work and be tempted to go in.
They will also begin dealing with the stressors that made them want to use in the first place and they may feel the need to drink or do drugs to calm feelings of anxiety.
Fortunately, there are treatment methods targeted to prevent relapse from occurring. Rehab centers provide medical staff for assisted detox. Members of the team oversee the patient to keep them as comfortable as possible during the detox process and to make sure they don’t go back to using.
During treatment, they are given therapy that helps them find coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use. This prepares them to deal with unpleasant situations that make them want to turn to drugs and alcohol.
After a patient completes rehab, an aftercare program is provided. This helps them adjust to sober living and deal with stressors in a healthy manner.
Get Help for the Long Term With Drug or Alcohol Addiction
There are many rehab programs that offer detox, treatment, and aftercare. But which one is right for you? My Recovery Source will help you find the ideal option.
My Recovery Source specializes in finding addicts the help they need regardless of finances, background, location, and personal situation. They will determine the resources you need to help you overcome your addiction once and for all. They provide free, personalized recommendations to everyone that contacts their team.
Overcoming addiction is not easy and the possibility of relapse makes it even more difficult to reach your goals. But the right rehab center will give you the help you need to get sober and stay sober.
Contact my Recovery Source for assistance in finding the treatment that is right for you. We wish you the best of luck starting on this new chapter of your life.
