Addiction is a tough nut to crack, and the entire process involved in overcoming addiction is equally tough. The road to recovery is saddled with lots of challenges, in which relapse happens to be one.
In the phase of recovery, relapse is a normal happening. If the individual is not careful, he could have himself going back to the addiction which he was trying so hard to treat. Hence, this is why it is essential to have a proficient relapse prevention plan. When diligence and a positive attitude is put into this, it can be averted.
Addiction is a chronic disease which affects the brain, as with time, it has a say on how the brain works and operates. People who are addicted, often seek to fuel their passion, in this sense, pleasure, which is produced in the brain, thereby developing detrimental consequences.
The restoration of the brain’s function is difficult, and this is why people relapse. The duration and severity of the addiction determines how long the brain can totally heal or recover from addiction. Within this time frame, cravings and triggers are bound to cause a relapse.
One feature which helps people to overcome addiction, is rehab. There are some people that might never fully recover, but they learn certain skills which helps them manage the symptoms of the disease. Surprisingly, relapse is an expected aspect of recovery, especially when it comes to chronic conditions.
Relapse does not take place in just a day, it begins to build-up overtime, as it could take weeks running into months, before the person commits. Old memories are strong triggers which can make a person relapse.
Also, people who have unhealthy coping habits, are also likely to relapse, because they rely on drugs and alcohol to help them manage stress.
The most effective way to prevent relapse, is to consistently practice coping behaviors, alongside building a support system which would play the role of effective monitoring. Individuals who do not regularly attend support meetings; stop coping behaviors, and start acting out on their own, are increasing their likelihood of a relapse.
