(This is a guest post from a peer.)
Beating alcoholism or drug addiction is no piece of cake. Only 10-15% of individuals are able to quit alcohol or drug abuse on the first try. Almost 90% of addicts in rehab or recovery programs encounter at least one episode of relapse before they can truly commit to sobriety. Therefore, if you fell back into old habits despite getting help, know that you are not alone. Quitting your addiction may seem even harder the second time, but I can assure you that nothing is impossible. You are not hopeless and you still have the chance to turn your life around. Let’s take a look at the causes and symptoms of relapse.
People get dependent on alcohol and/or drugs for different reasons, but most commonly due to anxiety or depression. Intoxication provides the means to escape real-life problems, which is tempting despite being a fleeting illusion. Many alcohol and drug abusers end up in a recovery program after getting arrested for driving under the influence. A DUI offense on the person’s criminal record often conflicts with personal and professional life. For some, the purpose of rehabilitation is redemption, while others may simply view it as a legal formality.
Relapse does not occur the instant someone is exposed to the source of their addiction; it is a waft that gradually develops into a storm. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms are expected during the initial stages of recovery. However, the duration of these symptoms vary from person to person; they may last a couple of months or perhaps linger on for a few years.
Common Post-acute withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety, sadness
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Inability to concentrate
- Severe mood swings (highs and lows)
- Insomnia, nightmares
- Absentmindedness
- Increased irritability
- Cramps, migraines
The onset of relapse can be identified by several behavioral changes. The person trying to quit their addiction may lose the early enthusiasm for attaining a fresh start. Their recovery program/therapy sessions begin to feel less meaningful or unfulfilling for some reason they cannot pinpoint. They try to ignore their fears and worries, which in fact denial of the underlying problem. The situation or reasons that led to their addiction are still there.
Some individuals may feel overwhelmed or progressively stressed when they re-enter the real world after spending several months in rehab. The change of environment can be intimidating or not as positive as they might have projected. Going back to an old routine and socializing with people tends to elevate their discomfort. The smallest things may trigger exaggerated reactions or push them towards isolation.
Most recovery patients heavily rely on emotional support from their loved ones; lack or shortage of it at some point can send them spiraling back into old habits. They may even use the prohibited substance solely to get attention or influence those around them. If the person haves a drink or takes a dose of drug in the spur of the moment, but immediately regrets it, we shall call it a ‘slip’ rather than relapse.
Alcohol or drug relapse is when the person decides to give up on getting better, i.e. they may have no intention to quit anymore. More than often, the people who encouraged this person to embrace a sober lifestyle are not there to provide assistance post-relapse. With the return of alcohol and/or drugs in the system, an individual is no longer capable of making rational decisions. Some addicts may blame their life’s unfavorable circumstances for the relapse. They make believe that they can quit later when times are better or when they reach a better place.
Author Bio
John Adams writes about physiological traumas and personal healing. He encourages readers to fight their fears and overcome the obstacles holding them back. He believes that any person can improve the quality of his or her life by incorporating positivity in every thought and action. He loves to share his insight on life experiences and contributes on various online platforms in the same niche.