“Self-efficacy is the belief that one has the ability to implement the behaviors needed to produce a desired effect.” In other words, it’s the confidence that you can tackle any problem using the tools you have and keep moving forward. The link between self-efficacy and relapse length and frequency has come up in discussion as addiction research discovers new connections.
Let’s Start With What Happens Prior to Relapse
Relapse is when a problem drug user successfully completes rehabilitation but ultimately ends up using or abusing drugs again. While it’s more common than one would hope, it’s never something a patient wants to anticipate happening. The process of rehab is lengthy and takes a lot of effort and involvement. Each patient went through so much during the process making it that much harder when a relapse does happen.
Detox Kicks Off Treatment
Before getting into the therapy and behavioral health sessions, each user must abstain from their substance of choice and push through withdrawal symptoms which can last for up to a week in some cases. These potentially life-threatening side effects of withdrawal make detoxing require a medical facility and professional addiction specialists.
Commitment Becomes Mandatory For Success
At this point, the patient is now rid of the substance and has braved the withdrawal symptoms that followed. America’s Rehab Campus prides itself on our drug and alcohol treatment plans that focus on putting the power to control one’s life back into the proper hands. Full inpatient rehab programs provide 24/7 monitoring and support to give the compassionate care needed in the most crucial situations.
Some patients are able to attend regular therapy sessions either on their own or in a group setting multiple times a week, allowing them to continue working and fulfilling other responsibilities. Self-efficacy starts showing a connection as those with higher self-efficacy tend to feel comfortable handling the rest of their duties as long as they have help staying sober. Those who don’t attend or complete 90 days or more of treatment are very likely to relapse within a short period of time.
A Relapse Can Restart the Cycle
Relapsing happens, it’s nothing to be ashamed of and should be seen as no more than a temporary setback to overcome. That’s the mindset of someone with more self-efficacy after completing a proper treatment plan as they’ve been provided the tools and coping strategies to stave off cravings and stand up to impulses.
Working with patients to help improve their self-efficacy during hospitalization is showing positive impact on relapse prevention. Even though most users relapse at least once, those with more self-efficacy reported shorter periods of substance abuse before becoming sober again.
Relapse is a serious matter, but the concern that it will have a major impact on a previous user’s life is largely diminished when the proper tools and resources are provided. One way we do this is through our network of mental health and therapy specialists that provide the same compassionate care found at ARC.
Are you or a loved one needing to take that first step towards a life without addiction? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, and fully confidential, consultation to see how we can help.
