Treatment for addiction is seen as an end to all problems. The society as well as the family expects the individual to behave like any other individual. They fail to realize that recovery brings with it very complex problems and that the recovering addict has to develop newer skills to deal with them. Transition from drug using to drug free life needs a lot of adjustment. The situation is complicated by the constant bombardment of alcohol or drug related situation against which he has to guard himself. Over and above is the threat of psychological craving that might creep in at any point of time and shake the recovery of the person. Thus a recovering person is always on the edge trying to balance himself, a small mistake will pull him down to zero again.
But relapse is preventable provided the recovering person as well as the significant people in his life is able to identify the relapse warning signs and take the necessary steps to cope with the situation. The changes take place at the following levels –
Changes in attitude
- No efforts/commitment towards sobriety.
- Becoming extremely pessimistic.
- Impatience.
- Tunnel vision – looking at life in fragments and not as a whole.
- Overconfidence.
- Open rejection of help.
Changes in thought
- Thoughts about substitute drugs.
- Denial and resistance to change.
- Thinks that he deserves drugs since he has been sober for quite some time.
Changes in feelings
- Increased moodiness and depression.
- Strong feelings of anger and resentment.
- Increased feelings of boredom and loneliness.
Changes in behavior
- Increased episodes of disagreement with people around.
- drug taking friends.
- support group meetings.
- Displaying visible signs of stress such as smoking more cigarettes.
- Talking repeatedly about pleasures associated with drug use.
Recently seen someone with these symptoms? Help them…..they need our support.
Tags: Denial and resistance, drug abuse support, drug addiction relapse, Drug Addiction Support, drug addiction treatment, drug free life, professional drug treatment, Tunnel vision
