How to Prevent Relapse

Introduction

It is very hard to put an end to any form of relationship. Drug addicts have some form of relationship with the drugs that they use. Ending relationships creates a sense of loss and therefore most people will tend to stick around even when the relationship is abusive.

Withdrawal symptoms are very painful and hard to adapt to, and this accompanied by drug cravings causes most addicts to relapse after treatment. However, a Las Vegas opioid addiction specialist provides addiction treatment using a method that prevents withdrawal symptoms which causes a relapse.

Why do People Relapse After Treatment for Addiction?

Below are the reasons why people relapse:

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are very hard to deal with because they can be so severe that a person can only opt to use again. They include; extreme anxiety and weakness, irritability, and hot or cold sweats.

Incomplete Treatment

Most people who do not complete treatment for addiction tend to relapse. Patients need to finish the recommended treatment duration and rehabilitation so as to reduce the chances of relapse. Drug treatment only takes care of addiction but new coping mechanisms have to be taught so as to avoid relapse.

Emotional Disturbances

An addict who is in recovery may start experiencing depression or guilt especially when they start feeling like they disappointed people. They can feel shameful about their addiction. These thoughts can trigger relapse.

Exposure to Environments That Remind People of Why They Were Using Drugs in the First Place

When a person does not change the friends or things that used to lead him to drug use, they tend to relapse. These environments can trigger cravings for drug use.

Reason for Seeking Treatment

If a person went to rehab because of pressure from family or friends but not because they intended to be clean, they will most definitely relapse.

Failure to Understand the Severity of Addiction

Some patients may not understand that addiction is a chronic disorder that might last for a lifetime without treatment. They may therefore not take seriously the recommendations from rehab and this leads to relapse.

How Can One Prevent Relapse?

Get A Support System or A Sponsor

A sponsor can be a friend or a relative who you can talk to once you start having the urge to use. Keeping the thoughts to yourself will eventually overwhelm you, leading to relapse.

Keep Your Mind Occupied

It's advisable to keep thinking about things that give purpose to your life. You should not entertain idleness because it's during such times that unwelcome thoughts cross your mind.

Buy Time When You Get an Urge to Use

Most urges will last for a few minutes, 30 minutes at most. When they do, you can take a walk or talk to someone for half an hour.

Conclusion

When a person gets an urge to use again, they normally have an argument with themselves on if they should actually use it. This argument most times ends in using a drug. It is advisable to stall such arguments, for example by telling yourself that you will use tomorrow or next week but DEFINITELY NOT TODAY!