Depressed drug addiction

Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex, progressive condition. It’s likely to worsen over time, making it nearly impossible to stop using on your own. When you’re facing addiction, entering into treatment is one of the most important steps you can take. Yet, even with effective treatment, relapse can occur. Why does it happen, especially when there’s so much on the line, and you’ve worked so hard at recovery? At America’s Rehab Campuses we provide comprehensive detox and recovery services to help you to stop using and to remain drug-free long term.

Why Does Relapse Happen?

There are many reasons why a person may struggle with relapse after working through drug and alcohol addiction. Sometimes, even those who have the most dedication to their recovery may find themselves thinking about using drugs or alcohol again. It’s important to see relapse for what it is – a step in the process of long-term recovery. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It doesn’t mean that your treatment wasn’t effective either. It just means you need additional help.

Relapse occurs in as much as 40 to 60 percent of cases. Some of the most common reasons it occurs include:

  • Not enough or effective treatment: One of the reasons many people struggle with relapse is because their treatment wasn’t enough or didn’t address the specific needs. There’s no benefit to rushing out of treatment. More so, if you’re not getting the right treatment to address the underlying cause of your addiction.
  • Stress: Stress is one of the most common causes for relapse. In stressful situations, the brain seeks out a better experience, and the memory of using drugs or alcohol may fit that need. Stressful situations create intense needs, putting you at a higher risk of relapse.
  • Routines: In some situations, a person may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol if they deviate from their routines. When you have things to do and a routine to follow, you’re less likely to find yourself thinking about or using drugs. If you stray from your routine, you may find yourself moving towards using more frequently.
  • Reminiscing: Looking back on your time of drug use isn’t a bad thing. However, if you remember those times as “good times” and have fond memories of drug use, that’s going to put you more at risk for using again. You don’t want to think positively about your time using drugs or alcohol.
  • Unrealistic expectations: When yous top using drugs and alcohol, you may be on the road to recovery and happy about it. But, you may find yourself trying to do so much and expecting life to get back on track in no time. The problem is it takes time for you to relearn and recover. Unrealistic expectations may put you at risk for complications.

When Are You Most at Risk for Addiction Relapse?

There’s no doubt that addiction is a long path. There’s no cure for it, but you can recover. And with that comes living a life that you love and achieving your goals. To reach that point, it’s important to know what’s happening to you and to monitor your thoughts to guard against the increased risk of relapse. You may be most at risk if you:

  • Are feeling intense stress at work or home
  • Find yourself isolating more
  • Are facing symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Are ill, or you are facing medical concerns
  • Feel alone or unable to connect with other people

What Should You Do If You Are At Risk of Relapse?

If you are thinking about using drugs or alcohol now, recognize what’s happening to you. It takes a lot of work to reach the point of not using. You put in that hard work to reach this point. If you are thinking about using again, take the time right now to reach out for help.

America’s Rehab Campuses can help you. We offer a medical detox program that may provide you with the first steps to recovery if you are currently using. If you are not, reach out to learn more about our drug treatment plans that can help you. Call the team at America’s Rehab Campuses now to find the support you need.