People are slowly waking up to the fact that addiction is a disease. Like so many other diseases, it can be treated, but treatment is in the form of lifelong management.
Like all treatments, if you stop them, you’re at risk of relapsing. In fact, there are 10 common reasons for addiction relapse. If you’re dealing with an addict, it’s essential that you know what they are.
While it’s not always possible to prevent a relapse, it is helpful to know the most common reasons for them. It gives you a fighting chance of avoiding the relapse.
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Stopping Treatment
It is possible but difficult to go ‘cold turkey’. That means simply stop drinking or taking the drugs.
In many cases, the most effective approach is to seek professional therapy and support. This may or may not involve withdrawing from drugs.
Whether you use withdrawal drugs or not, quitting your addiction is difficult, and it often seems easier to stop the treatment.
Naturally, if you stop the treatment, especially before you’ve completed it, you’re very likely to return to your addiction.
Temptation
We’ve all seen it in the movies, loved ones clearing bottles of alcohol from a loved one’s home. The truth is, this is a useful approach.
If an addict is craving a drink or a fix, and it’s there in front of them, they are likely to relapse. Removing temptation is essential to successfully stopping an addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal can be very challenging. You’re likely to suffer headaches, nausea, cramping, disorientation, brain fog, and more.
It can easily get bad enough to convince you that you simply need to have another drink or a hit of your addiction.
Sadly, it’s never just one, and you are likely to relapse and have to start all over again.
Environment
Addicts tend to surround themselves with other addicts. It’s an environment where they don’t feel judged, and it’s easier to get the next hit.
If you complete your treatment and return to that environment, you’re likely to relapse simply because everyone around you is still addicted.
Existing Mental Health Issues
Many people turn to alcohol and drugs to deal with emotional pain.
In other words, if you have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, you’re more likely to become an addict.
Studies back up this fact.
Physical Events Linked To Memory
This is a tricky one to help prevent, as you may not know the sounds and places that trigger a desire for a drink or drug.
It can be as simple as clinking glasses or a special spot where someone had their first taste of addiction.
If an addict hears or sees these physical links, they are more likely to relapse.
Failing To Look After Yourself
Looking after yourself by eating healthily, exercising, and undertaking daily grooming will boost your confidence and help you feel like you can tackle anything.
Equally, not looking after yourself tells your brain that you don’t care about yourself, and this can lead to alcohol or drug cravings.
Starting A Relationship
If you’re not in a relationship when you start recovery, it’s best to avoid one for 2-3 years after treatment is complete.
Relationships are challenging, and navigating them can be stressful, which will increase the likelihood of you relapsing.
Equally, many relationships start with drinks at the local bar or a meal. There’s simply too much temptation. It’s better to avoid these situations.
Boredom
Being an addict and entering recovery often means you no longer have a job. When recovering, it’s easy to feel bored and your addiction can be a welcome distraction.
It’s tempting, and if the means are available, it is surprisingly easy to fall back into old habits.
Over Confidence
It is possible to be too confident that you’ve beaten your addiction and you’ll never face that issue again.
This type of confidence will often lead to a belief that one drink will be okay. Unfortunately, as an addict, one taste is never enough.
Summing Up
It is possible to beat an addiction and stay clean for life. However, it takes dedication and a supportive environment, starting with a good therapy program.
It’s important that everyone in that environment understands what can trigger a relapse. This will help ensure they do what they can to prevent it.