Relapse is a condition where a person goes back to their old and addictive ways of consuming illegal substances after undergoing a structured rehabilitation. Relapse, although, is not uncommon. This return to old ways does not signify the failure of the treatment- but shows us that a new approach and a new treatment will be more fitting for the said case. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, nearly 40-60% of cases that undergo rehab will eventually relapse.
It is, though, important for the family and the caregivers to keep a close eye on the activities of the client and notice every small change in their behavior or thoughts to become aware of any signs that could indicate relapse.
Recognizing the early signs
The actual physical symptoms of relapse may start to show way later, even weeks or months later the actual relapse happens. 3 phases can be seen where the person starts on an internal level of convincing themselves to get hold of the substance again because of certain triggers.
- Emotional relapse- At this stage, the emotions of the person towards life start turning negative again and they are pressed towards keeping their emotions bottled up. The feeling of anger and anxiety can be noticed before it progresses any further.
- Mental relapse- The bargaining within oneself starts. The mind starts a war of its own, raising feelings of good vs. bad times that the person experienced during addiction. They may feel that they are confused and looking for ways to understand their own feelings.
- Physical relapse- This is the stage where actual symptoms start showing up- and it eventually leads to using again. It may be one drink or one pill- and then the cycle of addiction begins again.
Why relapse happens- triggers are the answer
Some triggers towards relapse are easy to recognize which can be used as a tool for early intervention. Some of these triggers are-
- Withdrawal symptoms are common triggers, which can be controlled with immediate intervention through caregivers
- Disturbed interpersonal relationships that lead to an escape route through substance use
- Unfiltered company, enablers
- Stress, anxiety and loneliness
- Poor self care
- Unresolved trauma
The triggers are basically disruptions in the neural circuits of the brain, and when these pathways of pleasure are activated again, relapse ensues.
This relapse however, depends purely upon the person’s emotional response and how they are willing to learn from it.
Let’s take an easy example- X goes to a party. They have recently been to rehab and have come for a social exposure. At the party, they are somehow forced by their peers to get a congratulatory drink for completing their rehab. X resists at first, but eventually they give in and have a drink. Afterwards, they feel guilty and resentful towards themselves for taking that step.
This particular response shows that they are more willing to learn from their mistakes and can eventually recover from their relapse in the long run.
However, another person Y is in the same scenario, makes the same choice, but they feel very good and enthusiastic about themselves. Y is very unlikely to recover from their relapse since they do not have an insight.
If you want to make sure that the relapse is on the rise, taking a quick assessment for relapse confirmation is a good option.
Some strategies for relapse prevention
Apart from treatment, there need to be some extra efforts from the clients and their caregivers to ensure that they don’t relapse. Solely relying on treatment can lessen its effect and render it futile. Here are some tips as per some of the best psychiatrists in India to control relapse prevention.
- Joining a self-help group is essential. You can join through your rehab center or on your own as per your convenience. But understanding the struggles that others and you go through and relate with them can help you transform your responses and beliefs
- Try to change your lifestyle and live in the company of positive people since the lifestyle that led you to addiction can again lead you to that path.
- ASK for help. You might feel like a burden and think that you are not worthy of help, but that might not be the case. Voicing your concerns can help you get the support you need.
- Keep your mind occupied. Pick up on things that feel positive and fun to divert the mind.
- Keep a close eye on your diet and eat healthy.
We are here to be your support system
The journey to sobriety is a difficult and testing journey, and the process can be very different for everyone. The variation of relapse is to the point that some might never relapse and some might do so several times during their recovery. With Dr. Gorav Gupta, you can find the right mix of treatment and lifestyle balance with our holistic recovery plans that are made to build realistic expectations of your journey to transformation.
To know more about relapse and our treatment modalities for it, visit for a consultation today.
