“Once an addict, always an addict,” is the universal belief among people. The statement, though heartbreaking, has some element of truth in it considering the high rate of relapse that occurs amongst chemical dependents. Addiction, like any other chronic disease (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) can be controlled but there is always a possibility of reverting back to the previous condition. Thus an understanding of the relapse dynamics is essential to control the chances of relapse.
Now what is relapse? The mere event of drug taking after a period of abstinence is often misunderstood as relapse. But the fact is relapse is a process in which the resumption of substance use is the last event. It is not the simple act of taking the drug but a progressive series of maladaptive responses which leads the person to taking drugs. It is important to remember:
- Relapse is a process and not an event. Thus relapse is an ongoing process that takes place stage by stage and can be interrupted or stopped at any point of time provided one becomes aware of the fact that the process has already set in.
- The process starts in the mind of the person. Relapse patterns are formed by the person’s attitude, values and thought processes which takes place at the mental level and he begins to relapse at his thought level.
- It is manifested through a progressive pattern of behavior. The changes in the thought process affect his attitude, values and behavior and ultimately he ends up using the chemical.
- Relapse is preventable. If the person is aware of the negative changes he can adopt measures that can prevent him from relapsing.
- Poor commitment to recovery, high risk situations and emotional states, interpersonal conflicts, social pressures, negative physical state and psychiatric impairment are some of the common factors that lead to relapse.
Whole recovery, though a challenge, is attainable provided the person is loyal to his recovery.
Tags: diabetes, drug abuse support, drug addiction relapse, Drug Addiction Support, drug addiction treatment, drug free life, hypertension, professional drug treatment, progressive pattern of behavior, psychological craving
