A Comprehensive Overview of Chronic Relapse in Addiction Recovery

Overview

Addiction recovery can be said to be more of a life long process and not a destination. Relapse is a common challenge to many people who may experience setbacks on the way. Nevertheless, once the relapse takes on a cyclical pattern, it can also be called chronic relapse. Developing the sense of what chronic relapse is, what its causes are, and how it could be addressed are the key aspects of the long-term therapy. In Palm Coast Treatment Solutions, we offer evidence-based and compassionate care delivery to assist people in overcoming this cycle and re-establish their lives.

What is Chronic Relapse?

The concept of chronic relapse is used to describe how an individual gets back into the habit of drug or alcohol consumption after several efforts by the subject to abstain. In contrast to single relapse, chronic relapse is a continuous habit of a person not being able to sustain recovery even after having undergone treatment or even experienced some abstinence time. This cycle may be discouraging but it does not imply that recovery is not possible. Rather, it identifies the necessity to have the special approaches to treatment which are aimed at preventing relapses, finding out the roots of the problem, and having the support that will be sustainable.

Symptoms and Causes of Chronic Relapse

Chronic relapse is not a one night affair. It can frequently be a consequence of unresolved problems or treatment gaps. Symptoms and warning signs are common, and include:

• Entering into recovery programs and dropping out over and over again.

• Constant hopelessness or frustration with treatment.

• More cravings and mindfulness on substances.

• Affective instability, like depression, anxiety, irritability.

• Dropping out of supportive groups or recovery groups.

There are various reasons which cause chronic relapse and they include:

• Mental health problems left untreated: Mental health problems such as depression, PTSD or anxiety frequently contribute to addiction.

• Lack of coping skills: In the absence of sound coping mechanisms, people can relapse to substances.

• Environmental stimuli The risk of relapse can increase with a re-exposure to toxic environments, and old friend groups, as well as high-stress environments.

• Absence of post-treatment or follow-up: Recovery needs follow-up and consistency, rather than initial treatment.

• Biological/genetic: There are those individuals who are more predisposed to relapse as a result of brain chemistry or family history.

Early detection of these signs is essential to the prevention of relapse into a chronic state.

Treatment for Chronic Relapse

To end the pattern of chronic relapse the individual approach to the entire person-mind, body and spirit is necessary. We develop treatment plans at Palm Coast Treatment Solutions to address the lasting recovery support. Common strategies include:

• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Abuse of co-occurencing mental health disorders with treating the underlying causes.

• Relapse Prevention Planning: Learning how to recognize triggers, develop coping strategies and develop a customized plan that can lead to long-term success.

• Evidence-Based Therapy: CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy assist in reforming the way of thinking and acting.

• Holistic therapies: Mindfulness, yoga, fitness, and nutrition help with general well-being.

• Family Therapy and Support: To reestablish trust and the establishment of a powerful support system by involving the loved ones.

• Aftercare and Alumni Programs: Extended recovery support in the form of continuing care, peer support and accountability resources are offered after the treatment is over.

We do not only assist our clients to become sober but we also empower them to stay sober in the long-term.

Conclusion

Recurrence may be very discouraging, but it is not yet the end. With appropriate therapy, continued care and an individualized strategy, permanent recovery can be achieved. We as Palm Coast Treatment Solutions, believe in second chances and the treatment of people struggling with relapse in a compassionate manner.

When you or a loved one find yourself in the cycle of chronic relapse, act now--help is on the way. Palm Coast Treatment Solutions can help you overcome the first step to long-term recovery by calling (386) 284-4151 today.