Question 1

What is chronic relapse?

Accepted Answer

Chronic relapse is a repeating cycle of falling back into using drugs or alcohol after going through addiction treatment multiple times.

Typically, a chronic relapser is well educated about addiction and tends to be familiar with all the recovery tools, yet they cannot remain clean or sober for long.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40-60% of people in recovery will relapse.

Chronic relapse can occur for many reasons; essentially, it happens when a recovering individual thinks about the drug and how it made them feel. The thoughts turn into cravings, which, if not controlled, result in the person using again.

Some common triggers include:

Lack of continued treatment after completing a recovery program
Using an addiction treatment model not specifically tailored to the individual
Lack of mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders
Unstable work and home environments
Failure to follow aftercare procedures after leaving a treatment facility

Recent research has also found that highly stressful situations and chronic stress increase addiction vulnerability and could cause chronic relapsing.

In most cases, a relapse occurs within 90 days of becoming sober, since this is the period when the person's cravings are high.

And while relapse is common during early recovery, relapsing later in recovery is more dangerous because tolerance to drugs has decreased, which makes the user susceptible to overdose.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 2

How do you break the cycle of chronic relapse?

Accepted Answer

Breaking the cycle of chronic relapse requires the involvement of addiction therapists, family, friends of the addict, and above all, the addict's commitment to leave behind a life of substance abuse.

The following are practical solutions to breaking the cycle of chronic relapse:

Residential treatment programs. They are focused on helping a person change to avoid further relapses. Ideally, chronic relapse residents look into issues such as what has or has not worked in the past, the changes the individual wants to make, and reasons that prompt them to want to stop using drugs.
Medical management. An individual is bound to achieve long-term sobriety when their physical and mental states are monitored by a medical professional.
Removal of distractions. Getting rid of distractions and anything that reminds you of your past life of drug use can help prevent a relapse.
Group therapy / 12-step program. Having the support of people dealing with addiction is sure to help prevent a relapse.
Accountability. Treatment for addiction should include responsibility, accountability, and consistency.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 3

What are the warning signs of chronic relapse disease?

Accepted Answer

Several signs of relapse occur before it actually happens, and knowing how to identify these warning signs can help prevent you or your loved one from going back to a life of dependency.

Here are some of the most common signs:

Reconnecting with friends from your addiction days

Putting yourself in an environment where you are likely to use drugs can make you relapse since maintaining sobriety relies on avoiding people and places that can lead to temptations to use.

Finding new friends by joining support groups can provide supportive environments where you can share your experiences with people who are also pursuing sobriety.

Changes in behavior and attitude

If you start to experience a change in behavior, like sudden feelings of loneliness and sadness, you might be on your way to relapsing. It is important to recognize these changes and realize that they are just part of the journey to sobriety. Use a mindful approach and acknowledge the uncomfortable emotions to keep yourself from relapsing.

Breaking social Relationships

Abandoning your network of support is another sign of chronic relapse disease. It is mostly characterized by arguing more with friends, spending less time with family, lying to your loved ones, and resenting the people who are trying to help you. Being open about the issues you are going through can help keep you from relapsing.

Believing you can use again without falling back into addiction

In your recovery, you might be compelled to use drugs or alcohol recreationally. However, using one time could become many more times, resulting in a relapse. By understanding that compulsion is part of the chronic condition, you can use viable strategies to keep you from falling into the trap of drug use again.

Being defensive and beginning a pattern of denial that you had while using

Sliding into your old patterns and being defensive about them should is a sign that you are about to relapse. If you or your loved one shows this sign, talk to them about the dangers of falling back to a life of drugs.

Avoid confronting them angrily, as this would cause further denial. Discussing what you are going through with a professional can also keep you from relapsing.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

What is chronic relapse?

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