Dealing with chronic addiction relapse

Recovery from addiction is a long and difficult road to travel and many people struggle against the temptation to relapse back into their addictive habits. Relapse does not mean failure; it is quite common, and the situation certainly is not hopeless. Those who fall victim to addiction have to undertake the trials and tribulations of recovery at some point if they want to be clear of the substance to which they are addicted. They know first-hand how hard this can be, withdrawals from certain drugs can be horrific without the right help and even then it’s never a walk in the park. Knowing this, what causes someone who has become clean of drugs and in recovery to relapse? In some cases, even falling victim to chronic relapse.

For anyone who believes they or someone they know could be risking another relapse, it’s important to look for the signs first and then act. One of the most common is their numerous attempts to stay substance-free. It may seem an obvious thing to say but there is a difference between a long term addict and someone who has tried many times to recover and failed.

Signs of addiction relapse

Someone who has repeatedly been in treatment for addictions will undoubtedly end up very experienced about the process; they will know their substance of choice inside-out and the way in which it works. Even though they are fully aware of what is needed to recover from their addiction and know that it can work, they are unable to apply that knowledge to their own life.

Victims of chronic relapse will also take one of the common traits of addiction to a new level. Most people with an addiction tend to continue to partake in the drug of their choice even with knowledge of the consequences. Those with multiple relapses will experience many of these negative consequences, including the loss of family and friends, poor health, serious medical conditions, and still continue to use the drug. It appears that even though they regularly feel a deep desire to get well again they are helpless when it comes to the power the substance has over them. Ultimately, they feel hopeless in the long run.

Chronic relapse methods of treatment

There are methods available to treat chronic relapse, but a specialised programme is required in order for it to work. Simply going back to the same treatment, month after month, is not going to be beneficial for this type of addict. One of the most important aspects of treating chronic relapse is the amount of time spent in treatment; it has to be long-stay. If this is something you would like to consider for you or for a loved one, the best advice is to contact a qualified addiction counsellor at Life Works and explain how the situation differs from others. Remember the situation you are experiencing is not unusual and you're certainly not alone. With help, you will be able to make the first steps towards real recovery.