What to Do if You Keep Relapsing?
Causes of Addiction
Relapse has the potential to impact any person who was once in the midst of addiction. One of the common issues plaguing people with addiction is the lack of understanding about the causes of addiction. Getting to the root of the problem may require support from a mental health professional to keep an individual from relapsing.
Chronic Relapse
Many people who find relapse occurs over and over start the 12-step program and never finish. A person who repeatedly relapses may experience recovery fatigue and feel tired of failed meetings and never moves forward. Relapse is a difficult experience for any individual, affecting the emotional and physical body. It takes time to recuperate only to fall into the same trap again. It is wise to invest time into recovery programs, sober companions and others who can help provide a social safety net for when things get tough.
Deceit
A person with addiction in the midst of relapse will cause family, friends and loved ones heartache and stress. People with addiction will become manipulative with family and take money, efforts and encouragement only to throw all of it out the window for addiction. Chronic relapse will keep happening until the person is ready to stop lying to him or herself and others about the reality of addiction.
Planning and Prevention
Relapse is so incredibly common for individuals who have been through drug treatment programs, recognizing the signs is something trained professionals can recognize in the average person. Take steps to prevent relapse before it occurs to build a strong support group that connects to mental health professionals.
Counseling: a person with addiction will be taught to recognize the signs of relapse and will help develop a plan of action
Management: some individuals may represent a higher potential for relapse and experience active management of recovery vital for sustaining a drug-free existence
Planning: prevention of relapse must occur within counseling meetings but also outside of treatment to be successful
Prevention: each person with addiction has different triggers and vulnerabilities associated with addiction. Identifying the events may reduce potential for relapse
Aftermath
Sometimes all preventative measures cannot stop a relapse. When addiction is revived time and again, it helps to develop strategies for coping. Changing the treatment plan is key along with seeking out further, long-term, treatment options. Be sure to check with insurance prior to entry into a facility. A change of location may be required to start a new life over again and focus on sobriety once and for all.
If you or a loved one are struggling with relapse and addiction, Hired Power can help. Call us to find out how we can support your journey to recovery with resources and information about addiction and treatment options.