The relapse addiction cycle is a process in which a person who has successfully stayed sober for some time may relapse. Often, it is due to an event that triggers a craving for alcohol or other drugs.
During this stage, clients need to practice coping skills for negative emotions. This includes recognizing and identifying triggers that can bring on cravings and developing healthy routines to counter them.
Substance Abuse
Addiction to substances can be caused by many different factors, such as a family history of substance abuse, peer pressure, or coping with stress. Often, these conditions can be avoided by seeking treatment for mental health issues.
Substance abuse typically involves repeated use of the drug or alcohol at a level that is not safe for you or others around you. This is often seen in people who take prescription medications at a higher dose or more frequently than prescribed or those who use illegal drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine.
Substance use is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that requires ongoing treatment to remain in recovery. There is no known cure for addiction, but with high-quality treatment, relapses can be minimized and a lifetime of sobriety can be achieved.
Addiction
There are many reasons people turn to substances, including environmental factors (a family history of substance abuse, abuse or neglect, traumatic relationships). They may also need a way to cope with stress.
Eventually, individuals reach a point where they are using substances at a level that is harmful to themselves and others. This is called addiction.
The first step in the addiction cycle is substance abuse, which occurs when someone uses a substance to achieve a desired feeling. Often, this is done in higher doses or more frequently than is necessary.
Second, the body and brain adapt to the substance, which leads to tolerance. Tolerance means that the consistent dosage and use of a substance no longer produces the mental or physical effects.
When a person experiences this stage, they are not thinking about using the substance but still may be experiencing some withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, fatigue, nausea or tremors. If this happens, they should seek medical attention right away.
Chronic Relapse
Many people who struggle with substance abuse disorder often end up falling back into addiction again and again. This is known as chronic relapse and it can take a toll on the individual’s life.
In fact, it can take an entire year of treatment to be able to overcome a relapse. It’s a vicious cycle that families can get caught up in.
When a person relapses, they have an immediate feeling of regret for their decision to use drugs or alcohol and feel like they can’t go back to their sober life. It is a debilitating feeling that can lead to depression and self-hatred.
Despite the obvious negative impact, relapse is a normal part of the recovery process. Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent and minimize relapse. Identifying the different stages of relapse is one way to do so.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse is a common experience for those in recovery from substance abuse and can be avoided with effective relapse prevention skills. Having a toolbox of healthy coping skills and understanding relapse warning signs are two crucial elements to preventing relapse.
Recovering individuals often learn to identify internal and external triggers that remind them of their past use. These may include anxiety, irritability, stress, anger, low self-esteem, and people or places that remind them of their addiction.
A person can also prevent relapse by learning relaxation techniques that help reduce tension, irritability, cravings, and anxiety. Developing a positive support system of friends, family members, and professional care providers is another important relapse prevention strategy.
If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, do not hesitate to reach out for help. A qualified treatment provider will help you find relapse prevention strategies and prevent further deterioration of your mental, emotional, and physical health.
