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Chronic Drug Relapse
By C.King, M.Ed. | November 30, 2008
Fact 1: The possibility of going back to their destructive behavioral patterns haunts all recovering drug addicts.
Fact 2: Chronic Drug Relapse is one of the most common post-drug rehabilitation issues facing addicts, yet is the most misunderstood.
Drug addiction is a path towards disaster and can only come to an end with a commitment and a desire to better one’s life and stave off drug use. But even when a hundred percent is dedicated towards total recovery, setbacks-called relapses are bound to happen.
A drug relapse is relatively common during addiction treatment therapy, usually during instances when the addict feels isolated, angry, sad, or guilty, or whenever thoughts about going high again entertain him, thereby a craving for going back to old behavior patterns heightens.
Although this phenomenon is not the outcome we would wish for the recovering addict, it is considered as something that comes along with drug addiction recovery. It is believed to be the most difficult challenge for drug addicts.
The most extreme form of drug relapse is Chronic Drug Relapse, a phenomenon that can have potentially disastrous effects on the addict’s recovery process. Chronic Drug Relapse is characterized by a powerful irrepressible craving, need, and desire for drug intake which can last for months or even years after the addict stops taking them.
Steps that can help the recovering addict from launching into relapse do exist. One of these is to stay away from former companions who may influence the addict to go back to his old drug using life.
Another is to keep the mind productive and refrain from discussing the positive effects of drug use. This will rouse interest and may trigger drug use cravings. The best way would be for the addict to speak out once he senses a craving for drug use to a support group. The recovering addict needs to surround himself with people who can provide him with helpful insights and who understands his situation, a group that knows his goals and is supportive once he starts to steer away from them.
Drug addiction counseling will also contribute significantly. This is the perfect avenue for former drug users to point out what made them start to use drugs, whether it was influenced by family or friends, a job loss or the death of someone important. From thereon the addict can start to develop more healthy coping strategies that will help them overcome these problems with the goal of pursing a more meaningful and fulfilled life as core.
While addiction counseling, drug treatment and rehabilitation all lead to the road to recovery, it is the addict’s sole decision whether to walk away from, or towards the light.
Topics: Addiction and Drug Dependency |
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