{"id":9437,"date":"2020-01-03T13:32:55","date_gmt":"2020-01-03T13:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/?p=9437"},"modified":"2020-09-18T14:49:28","modified_gmt":"2020-09-18T14:49:28","slug":"lets-talk-relapse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/lets-talk-relapse\/","title":{"rendered":"Let\u2019s talk RELAPSE"},"content":{"rendered":"<header><div class=\"contained\"><div><div><\/div><div class=\"content\"><h1>Let\u2019s talk RELAPSE<\/h1><a href=\"#recoveryModal\" class=\"btn submit\" data-toggle=\"modal\">Reach out now, we can help<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header><div id=\"crumbs\" class=\"contained\" data-is-podcasts=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\">Home<\/a>  \/  <\/div><h3 data-date='03 January 2020' class='article-title'>Let\u2019s talk RELAPSE<\/h3><div class='info'><span>03 January, 2020<\/span><span>Articles, News<\/span><\/div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugabuse.gov\/publications\/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction\/treatment-recovery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40 and 60 percent of people recovering from drug addiction relapse (opens in a new tab)\">National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40 and 60 percent of people recovering from drug addiction relapse<\/a>. These recurrence rates are similar to those of other chronic diseases, including Type 1 diabetes and hypertension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying\nsober takes time, practice and commitment, and a relapse does not\nmean treatment has failed. Addiction is a brain disorder that causes\npeople to engage in compulsive drug use despite knowing the physical,\nlegal and social consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #767676;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Factors that Can Cause A Relapse<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&rsquo;s past can bring about memories of substance use, which can induce urges that may lead to a relapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The risk for relapse can be influenced by the duration of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"addiction (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/drug-addiction\/\" target=\"_blank\">addiction<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #767676;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Triggers<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Triggers\nare thoughts, feelings, sensations, situations and relationships that\ncause someone to drink or use drugs after a period of abstinence. For\nexample, driving past a familiar drinking establishment, such as a\nbar or restaurant, may generate cravings in some people in recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Triggers\ncan arise when people feel sad or attend a social function where\nalcohol is available. Other triggers include stress, lack of sleep\nand various physical illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Communicating\nwith individuals who engage in substance abuse is a common trigger\nfor individuals in recovery. Friends who do drugs or drink heavily\nmight also pressure people to engage in substance use after addiction\ntreatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #767676;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Failing to Seek Further Assistance after Rehab<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&rsquo;s chances of maintaining sobriety during recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aftercare services provide extended care after rehab. These services include psychotherapy, <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/the-programme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"12-step education (opens in a new tab)\">12-step education<\/a> and other prevention programs that help people avoid triggers that commonly lead to relapse. Many treatment centres encourage clients to engage in aftercare services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These\nprograms may also include sober housing, which are substance-free\nhomes for people in recovery. These environments allow residents to\nsupport one another in abstaining from drug or alcohol use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #767676;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Other Factors that Lead to Relapse<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several\ninternal or external factors can cause a relapse that delays recovery\nfrom drug or alcohol addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Fatigue\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Physical\nor mental exhaustion can lead to fatigue, which can affect everyday\ntasks. Too much stress can create urges to numb physical or\npsychological pain with drugs or alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Depression\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Depression\nis a mental health disorder that often co-occurs with addiction.\nDepressive thoughts can cause people to oversleep, lose interest in\nhobbies or have difficulty focusing. People experiencing depression\nin recovery may be tempted to use drugs to find relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Physical Pain\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to psychological issues such as depression, physical pain is associated with relapse. A 2016 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0376871615017640?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"study (opens in a new tab)\">study<\/a> published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that decreases in pain levels may lower the risk for alcohol relapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Dishonesty\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many\npeople in recovery are dishonest about feelings such as anger and\nresentment. As a result, they may make excuses for not accomplishing\ntasks, or they may become more easily frustrated with others. These\nfeelings can steer someone back to substance abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Self-Pity\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>People in\nrecovery may be disappointed that they can no longer attend parties\nor go to the bar with friends. Feeling sorry for oneself or dwelling\non negative circumstances can be dangerous because these thoughts can\nlead to relapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Unemployment\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Mindfulness\n\tActivities Might Help Prevent Relapse\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Recovery\ntakes time. Further treatment may be needed after an initial stay in\nrehab to help people reach long-term sobriety. During recovery,\nindividuals should attend counselling or 12-step meetings, such as\nAlcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A variety\nof factors can cause someone in recovery to relapse. However,\nengaging in aftercare services such as 12-step programs or halfway\nhouses can reinforce strategies to stay sober. Individuals who\nexperience chronic stress or feelings of depression should seek\nfurther assistance to avoid relapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #767676;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Why Relapse Isn&rsquo;t a Sign of Failure<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Addiction\nrelapse is akin to relapse for other chronic diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Addiction\nrelapse is common. Studies suggest that approximately half of all\nindividuals who try to get sober return to heavy use, with 70 to 90\npercent experiencing at least one mild to moderate slip. In other\nwords, not many people say, &ldquo;I want to get sober,&rdquo; walk into a\ntreatment centre, and never use drugs again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this\nway, addiction is very much akin to other chronic diseases. As with\nchemical addiction, patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes,\nasthma, and hypertension frequently fail to comply with their ongoing\ntreatments &ndash; relapsing, if you will, oftentimes with dire\nconsequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, no\nmatter the chronic disease, it is ultimately up to the individual to\nadjust his or her lifestyle and assume responsibility for managing\nhis or her own care. Unfortunately, removing the drug (detoxing) is\nthe easy part. Changing the behaviours that compel the addict to use\nis significantly more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #767676;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">RESOURCES<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/where-science-meets-the-steps\/201210\/why-relapse-isnt-sign-failure<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>https:\/\/americanaddictioncenters.org\/adult-addiction-treatment-programs\/signs-of-relapse<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s talk RELAPSE Reach out now, we can help Home \/ Let\u2019s 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. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9455,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,4],"tags":[96,41,113,112,26,68,114],"class_list":["post-9437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-articles","tag-12-step-programme","tag-12steps","tag-relapse","tag-relapse-prevention-understanding-relapse","tag-addiction","tag-jhb-rehab","tag-relapse-prevention","entry"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1.jpg",400,267,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1-80x80.jpg",80,80,true],"medium":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1.jpg",400,267,false],"large":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1.jpg",400,267,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1.jpg",400,267,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1.jpg",400,267,false],"alm-thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/relapse-freelapse-400x267-1.jpg",400,267,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>Let\u2019s talk RELAPSEReach out now, we can helpHome \/ Let\u2019s talk RELAPSE03 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&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"<a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/category\/news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/category\/news\/articles\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Articles<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"admin","url":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/author\/admin\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9437\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9455"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}