Because addiction is a chronic brain disease, a cure is impossible. Its progressive nature underscores the urgent need for treatment. Like other chronic illnesses – examples include diabetes and asthma – occasional relapse can and does happen. But what type of behavior falls under the relapse definition?
What is a Relapse?
The following situation is familiar for many working to overcome addiction.
You struggle with addiction. Finally, you’ve had enough, and you visit a detox facility. After withdrawing from the drug, you check into rehab. All goes well for a while.
One day, you hit a bump in the road. Maybe you had a rough day at work and the reason that you’ve earned a drink. Alternatively, perhaps the temptation to take a hit of the drug a friend’s offering you is too strong. Suddenly, you realize that the cravings are back.
It’s important to understand that a relapse is not a sign of failure. It doesn’t mean that you’re a hopeless case. What it does mean, however, is that you suffer from a chronic disease that has the potential for setbacks. It also means that you’re in an excellent position to return to treatment.
From a Relapse Definition to Effective Treatment Techniques
Relapses are common occurrences. Although rehab facilities work hard to incorporate relapse prevention techniques, sometimes triggers prove too strong. In other cases, former rehab program participants recognize that they’re entering a danger zone. They may notice destructive thought patterns or neglect of the healthy habits they built.
You might have already relapsed or worry that you’re on the edge of doing so. No matter your situation, returning to a rehab facility now can make a significant difference in the outcome. Therapists routinely work with people just like you and employ treatments such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy to restructure destructive patterns
- Dual diagnosis therapy that assists with an underlying mental health concern
- Life skills training that helps with regaining stability in your life
- Family therapy to help with self-sabotaging patterns you may be experiencing
- Group therapy settings to provide peer input and build self-esteem
The goal of the therapies is to examine what caused your slip-up. For some, it’s little more than a momentary lapse in judgment. These individuals quickly get back into the groove of sobriety and don’t suffer any lasting consequences. For others, it’s a sign that coping strategies no longer work as well as they did in the past.
This group of people is still in recovery but needs retooling help. Sometimes, this happens as life situations change and stressors realign. Examples include financial failures, relationship problems, and personal tragedies. It’s important to recognize that relapse can be part of the recovery experience and doesn’t equal failure.
Do You Need Help with a Substance Use Problem?
Do you or a loved one struggle with a drug or alcohol problem and need addiction treatment? Perhaps you’ve recently experienced a relapse per the relapse definition and want help to get back on track. At Crestview Recovery, friendly therapists are ready to assist you. We offer a number of treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Ativan addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Benzo addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
Call 866.262.0531 today and set up an appointment!
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
