It’s not easy for people to get over their addictive tendencies. It’s hard for a lot of individuals to take the first step in going to rehab. And after they get out of the program, it’s difficult for them to maintain sobriety. While relapse rates vary according to the drug being used, on average, 40 – 80% of people will have some sort of lapse within the first year of getting out of a drug facility.
Staying sober is not easy, but if experts answer the question, why do people relapse, they may be able to get to the heart of the problem so individuals can overcome their addictions once and for all. This article will uncover the reasons why people go back to their old ways and what they can do to prevent this from happening.
What Does Relapse Mean?
A relapse is an event that occurs when a person goes back to a state of deterioration after a period of improvement. It can refer to any type of illness or any other mental or physical state. For example, a person with cancer may be in remission but will relapse if tumors reappear.
And while the term relapse can refer to just about anything, it is most used to describe a person that is addicted to drugs and goes back to their old ways. So when a person gets clean but starts using again, that would be considered a relapse.
Why Do People Relapse?
There are several things that can cause a relapse. It commonly occurs during detox or after a person gets out of rehab. Here’s a look at why patients tend to relapse during these stages.
Detox: Detox involves allowing the body to rid itself of illicit substances. The system isn’t used to working without the drug, and it responds by producing flu-like symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms. The person knows the only way to get short-term relief from these symptoms is to do more of the drug. Therefore, they go back to their old ways before allowing themselves to move forward in the recovery process.
After Rehab: Patients also often fall off the wagon after completing rehab. Once they go back to everyday life, they encounter stressors that caused them to use in the first place. They may also run into friends they used to use with and places they used to use at and be tempted to go back to their old ways.
How to Prevent Relapse
Relapse happens, but there are ways to prevent it. Detox assistance and the right type of aftercare can help.
Assistance is provided in a rehab facility during the detox phase. The staff oversees the patient during the process. They administer medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms. They keep the patient as comfortable as possible and supervise them to prevent relapse.
Once a patient leaves rehab, the staff continues to provide care to ensure they maintain sobriety. They offer ongoing counseling to help them deal with stressors. They may also move them on to a sober living facility where they can learn the skills they need to get a job and become a productive member of society.
Finding Help with Relapse Prevention Near Me
Many rehab facilities provide relapse prevention. But which is right for you? Atlanta Recovery takes an approach that sets us apart.
Atlanta Recovery offers a wide range of outpatient treatment options, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization. The programs help patients recover from addiction without disrupting their everyday lives. They allow for a gradual transition to sober living.
Our facility integrates a dual diagnosis approach in our therapies. This involves addressing both the addiction and its underlying causes. We believe this is the best strategy to achieve long-term recovery.
After initial care is completed, patients are encouraged to check into a sober living facility. They are only allowed to stay in the home if they agree to stay sober. They help patients make a smooth transition to sober living.Overcoming addictive tendencies is not easy, but staying sober can be even more challenging. Atlanta Recovery Place will give you the support you need to make it through. Call us to take the first step on this important journey to wellness.
