Drug addiction is described as a chronic relapsing disorder, which means that a person may have to take advantage of substance addiction treatment programs more than one time. Addiction recovery is a process that includes the following:
- Entering treatment
- Receiving detox
- Working towards recovery
- Returning to everyday life with many tools to maintain recovery
This is a process that most addicts hope to do only once. However, with relapse rates ranging from 50 to 90 percent, it is a somewhat unrealistic expectation that a single cycle of treatment will be the only one that the addict needs. No one wants to think about the investment of time and money that repeated treatment cycles cost, but the reality is that a repeated investment may be required.
Relapse Prevention Tips
People work hard to avoid relapse and use a variety of strategies to do so. These strategies include the following:
- Identify high-risk situations. Be aware of the particular times, places, people and events that make you vulnerable to relapse, and avoid them.
- Find alternative engaging activities that you can participate in to avoid risk situations.
- Live a healthy lifestyle, which includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, health education, caring relationships, productive and recreational interests and spiritual development.
- Manage your emotional health. You are at high risk for relapse if feelings of anger, sadness, loneliness, guilt, fear, boredom or anxiety go untreated.
- Do your best to avoid injury that may require you to use prescription drugs that can impact your recovery even if you use them properly.
- Stay on alert. Believing that you no longer have to worry may make you think it is safe for you to use occasionally.
- Develop, maintain and expand your support system. Close personal friends and family members are a great start. In addition, if you think the person you see walking her dog every morning at the same time could be a potential member of your support team, start a conversation.
Even if you are diligent about doing all of these things, recognize that a relapse can occur. You need to forgive yourself and seek the treatment you need.
About Readmission
The first time you entered a drug addiction treatment program was probably an overwhelming experience because it was all new and unfamiliar. Having gone through the detox, individual counseling and group counseling services provided at an addiction treatment facility, you are now aware of what to expect.
You know that you will be in a safe and secure environment. You know that the medically supervised detox will provide you services to minimize your withdrawal symptoms. You know that there are a variety of treatment therapies that counselors can use. You know that your whole being (mind, body and spirit) will receive the opportunity to heal. You know that you will receive comfort and support in the group counseling sessions, and you know that the entire experience is going to require you to work hard.
Your previous stay in an addiction treatment center has minimized your fears and uncertainties about treatment and puts you in a position where you can focus your efforts on finding the right mix of benefits that you need to maintain a life without addiction.
Get Help to Transition from Relapse to Readmission
For many drug addicts, relapse is a very real possibility. In fact, between 50 to 90 percent of addicts relapse. However, you can avoid relapse, and we can help. Please call our toll-free number today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you have about relapse and readmission.