Those afflicted by an alcohol or drug problem have themselves tried ways and means to stop consuming the substance
What Is Relapse
Relapse refers to the return of a condition, behavior, or symptoms after a period of improvement or recovery. It is commonly used in the context of health and behavior-related issues, such as:
- Medical Relapse: The recurrence of a disease or symptoms, such as cancer returning after remission or a chronic illness flaring up again.
- Addiction Relapse: Returning to substance use (e.g., drugs, alcohol) or addictive behaviors (e.g., gambling) after a period of sobriety or abstinence.
- Mental Health Relapse: The return of mental health symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis, after a period of stability.
In Addiction, relapse means going back to drinking alcohol and using drugs the way one used to after a period of abstinence. relapse prevention is considered to be part of the disease. Even after several years of not using the substance if one begins then, the same old neurochemical pathway of consumption is triggered and the person goes back to using from where he had left off and soon reaches the stage where he would have been if he had consumed during the years of not using.
An untreated person suffering from addiction to substances keeps relapsing because – he does not want to drink the way he drinks or uses, he tries to use a socially acceptable quantity but is unable to do so; sooner or later the craving is succumbed to.
With every relapse prevention, the damage to the body only progresses.
Relapse is always because of emotional unmanageability.
Relapse Meaning
Relapse” means a return to a previous state or condition after a period of improvement or recovery. It is often used in the context of health or behavior, indicating that someone has reverted to a previous illness, behavior, or problem after a period of recovery or stability. For example, a relapse in addiction means going back to substance use after being sober for a while.
Causes of Relapse
-mood swings
-Lack of stability in the family
- conflicts in relationships
- lack of productive work
- major changes in life
- social pressures to use
- A.L.T. ie being hungry, angry, lonely or tired.
- underlying psychiatric ailments
- spiritual causes like feeling an emptiness, no meaning to life
In residential care treatment, all of the above issues need to be addressed. Tools to prevent a relapse and if it happens to not prolong it and get help are shared.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention refers to strategies and techniques used to help individuals maintain their progress and avoid returning to unhealthy behaviors or conditions, particularly in the context of addiction, mental health, or chronic illnesses. It involves identifying triggers, managing stress, and building coping skills to prevent a return to problematic behaviors or symptoms.
Key elements of relapse prevention include:
- Self-awareness: Recognizing situations, emotions, or thoughts that could trigger a relapse.
- Coping strategies: Learning healthy ways to handle stress, cravings, or emotional difficulties.
- Support system: Having a network of friends, family, or professionals to provide encouragement and guidance.
- Lifestyle changes: Adopting healthier habits, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and a balanced routine.
- Seeking professional help: Continuing therapy, counseling, or treatment to maintain mental health and prevent setbacks.
Relapse prevention is an ongoing process that helps individuals stay committed to their recovery or health goals.
All of the above is an intense process that takes time, effort and commitment to self. We at Anatta Humanversity have seen wonderful results wherein the person does not find the need to drink and use… Before treatment, everything was a reason to drink and use, after this in-depth process a transformation comes about and hence nothing can take the person to use.
Change is possible, just the steps in the right direction need to be taken.