Let’s talk RELAPSE

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Let’s talk RELAPSE

03 January, 2020Articles, News

Relapse occurs when someone returns to substance use after a period of abstinence. It is a common setback among people recovering from addiction. In fact, many individuals in recovery experience more than one relapse in their lives.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40 and 60 percent of people recovering from drug addiction relapse. These recurrence rates are similar to those of other chronic diseases, including Type 1 diabetes and hypertension.

Staying sober takes time, practice and commitment, and a relapse does not mean treatment has failed. Addiction is a brain disorder that causes people to engage in compulsive drug use despite knowing the physical, legal and social consequences.

People in recovery from this disease may return to heavy drug or alcohol use. A number of factors can cause people to relapse, but long-term recovery is possible for those dedicated to living healthy, sober lives.

Factors that Can Cause A Relapse

Completing rehab does not guarantee sobriety. After leaving treatment for substance abuse, people often return to environments where they once used drugs. Certain people, places and things from a person’s past can bring about memories of substance use, which can induce urges that may lead to a relapse.

The risk for relapse can be influenced by the duration of addiction. For example, a person in recovery from long-term alcoholism has a higher risk of relapsing than someone who seeks treatment for an alcohol addiction that has lasted less than a year.

A number of factors can increase the likelihood of relapse, including succumbing to triggers or failing to seek out aftercare services upon completion of treatment for addiction.

Triggers

Triggers are thoughts, feelings, sensations, situations and relationships that cause someone to drink or use drugs after a period of abstinence. For example, driving past a familiar drinking establishment, such as a bar or restaurant, may generate cravings in some people in recovery.

Triggers can arise when people feel sad or attend a social function where alcohol is available. Other triggers include stress, lack of sleep and various physical illnesses.

Communicating with individuals who engage in substance abuse is a common trigger for individuals in recovery. Friends who do drugs or drink heavily might also pressure people to engage in substance use after addiction treatment.

Failing to Seek Further Assistance after Rehab

Many people who complete rehab do not adhere to their treatment plan. They may think treatment cured their disease, but a relapse can still occur. Taking proper steps to remain drug-free can increase a person’s chances of maintaining sobriety during recovery.

Aftercare services provide extended care after rehab. These services include psychotherapy, 12-step education and other prevention programs that help people avoid triggers that commonly lead to relapse. Many treatment centres encourage clients to engage in aftercare services.

These programs may also include sober housing, which are substance-free homes for people in recovery. These environments allow residents to support one another in abstaining from drug or alcohol use.

Access to a strong support system is important for preventing a relapse. Family, friends, recovery coaches and peer mentors can provide immediate support and encouragement to people experiencing challenging times.

Other Factors that Lead to Relapse

Several internal or external factors can cause a relapse that delays recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.

Fatigue

Physical or mental exhaustion can lead to fatigue, which can affect everyday tasks. Too much stress can create urges to numb physical or psychological pain with drugs or alcohol.

Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that often co-occurs with addiction. Depressive thoughts can cause people to oversleep, lose interest in hobbies or have difficulty focusing. People experiencing depression in recovery may be tempted to use drugs to find relief.

Physical Pain

In addition to psychological issues such as depression, physical pain is associated with relapse. A 2016 study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that decreases in pain levels may lower the risk for alcohol relapse.

Dishonesty

Many people in recovery are dishonest about feelings such as anger and resentment. As a result, they may make excuses for not accomplishing tasks, or they may become more easily frustrated with others. These feelings can steer someone back to substance abuse.

Self-Pity

People in recovery may be disappointed that they can no longer attend parties or go to the bar with friends. Feeling sorry for oneself or dwelling on negative circumstances can be dangerous because these thoughts can lead to relapse.

Unemployment

A 2011 study found that unemployment increases the risk of relapse after rehab treatment. Researchers found that risky drinking, which includes binge drinking or heavy alcohol use, is more common among the unemployed. They also found that unemployment is a risk factor for substance use and addiction.

Mindfulness Activities Might Help Prevent Relapse

Recovery takes time. Further treatment may be needed after an initial stay in rehab to help people reach long-term sobriety. During recovery, individuals should attend counselling or 12-step meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

A variety of factors can cause someone in recovery to relapse. However, engaging in aftercare services such as 12-step programs or halfway houses can reinforce strategies to stay sober. Individuals who experience chronic stress or feelings of depression should seek further assistance to avoid relapse.

Why Relapse Isn’t a Sign of Failure

Addiction relapse is akin to relapse for other chronic diseases.

Addiction relapse is common. Studies suggest that approximately half of all individuals who try to get sober return to heavy use, with 70 to 90 percent experiencing at least one mild to moderate slip. In other words, not many people say, “I want to get sober,” walk into a treatment centre, and never use drugs again.

In this way, addiction is very much akin to other chronic diseases. As with chemical addiction, patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension frequently fail to comply with their ongoing treatments – relapsing, if you will, oftentimes with dire consequences.

Thus, no matter the chronic disease, it is ultimately up to the individual to adjust his or her lifestyle and assume responsibility for managing his or her own care. Unfortunately, removing the drug (detoxing) is the easy part. Changing the behaviours that compel the addict to use is significantly more difficult.

RESOURCES

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201210/why-relapse-isnt-sign-failure

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adult-addiction-treatment-programs/signs-of-relapse

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How to Detox from the Cat Drug

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Home / News / Archive by category "Articles" (Page 93)

How to Detox from the Cat Drug

24 December, 2019Articles, News

Also known as “Khat” or “Chat,” the cat drug is one of the most commonly abused drugs in South Africa. Due to its highly addictive composition and its popularity as a drug used in tandem with downers, at Crossroads Recovery Centres we have a vast amount of experience with facilitating the detox process from this potent substance. This brief guide will familiarise you with what the cat drug is and how addicts are detoxed from it.

Take the First Step Towards Recovery from the Cat Drug

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What is the Cat Drug?

The cat drug is a stimulant or “upper.” It is a drug derived from the Catha edulis plant that is native to East Africa. Cat can be brewed as a tea, or chewed or smoked much like marijuana. In some East African countries, the chewing of the cat drug is deeply rooted in social and cultural tradition while in other countries its use is illegal.

The Effects of the Cat Drug

On a neurological and physical level, use of the cat drug alters the level of chemicals in the brain, and produces feelings of extreme euphoria and alertness. The effect of the cat drug can be likened to that of cocaine or methamphetamines. Common symptoms of the abuse of khat include hyperactivity, hallucinations, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and restlessness. Over time, abuse can lead to extreme cases of sleep deprivation, dehydration and liver damage.

The Detox Process

At Crossroad Recovery Centres, detox from the cat drug is always facilitated by a team of professionals who assist the addict with the physical symptoms of withdrawal as well as the psychological ones. As such, it is a process that takes time and patience. The physical symptoms of withdrawal from the cat drug are not known to be life-threatening, therefore unlike with other drugs, drug replacement therapy is not needed. However, symptoms like depression can and may be treated by medication, under supervision. For the first few days, detox may entail simply getting rest, eating regularly and returning the body to a state of normal functioning as far as possible. It is important to note that some physical symptoms like anxiety and restlessness, may take months to reach a state of normalcy but again, it is important to note that the addict is never alone. Our team of professionals have helped many addicts to enter recovery, even within the most difficult of circumstances. We ensure that every patient is treated on an individual basis and that they receive the attention and care they deserve.

If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

Sources:

www.detox.net/khat/