Stages Of Relapse: The Relapse Cycle Explained
The relapse cycle can almost feel like taking one step forward and two steps back. However, this process is commonly experienced by people under recovery. What are the things that people should know about the relapse cycle? Read to find out more.
The relapse cycle is defined as a period of deterioration during a person’s addiction recovery. Many would mistake the relapse as a loss in the battle of drug addiction, but this should not be so. In fact, the relapse cycle is common, and should be understood as a part of the process in drug recovery.
Common Reasons People go Through the Relapse Cycle
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
People who undergo rehabilitation or perform self-help strategies to avoid taking drugs often suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be a range of negative physical, mental, emotional effects that occur once the person stops taking drugs. A person who is said to have withdrawal symptoms may experience:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Seizures (for benzodiazepine addiction)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Loss of focus
- Agitation
For some, the withdrawal symptoms may be so severe that the most immediate form of relief is taking drugs.
Stressful life events
When people initially take drugs to cope with life situations, the drug takes its role as a form of coping mechanism. During the rehabilitation process, a person may feel like the environmental conditions are controlled and resisting becomes easy. However, things may prove to be challenging again once the person faces the “real world”. Relationship problems, financial crises, health concerns, and other stressful life events make cause a person to go back to drugs as a way to cope.
Outside Influences
Even when a person overcomes drug use despite withdrawal symptoms and stressful life circumstances, other people may attempt to bring back the negative influence. When an individual hangs out with the same type of friends who engage in drug use, it is more likely that temptations to take even just a “tiny dose” are bound to happen.
H.A.L.T
A common phrase in addiction recovery meaning Hungry Angry Lonely and Tired. These feelings can cause people in recovery to want to use. Another feeling that can make people relapse is boredom. It is important to be aware of these triggers and know how you can prevent using when they arise.
Looking at the Relapse Cycle
To prove that relapse is a common process that people undergo during recovery, there is already a recognizable pattern that is seen among individuals during and after rehabilitation. It happens stage by stage, and it is usually recognized as a 10-step process that usually happens in a chronological order:
Stressful events serve as a trigger to crave drugs.
The trigger causes a feeling of being overwhelmed, bringing a person to emotional instability.
In an attempt to control the situation, the person denies that he or she may be needing help.
The individual may also avoid seeking support groups and opening up to friends and family about the struggle.
The individual finally gives in to taking drugs once more.
There is a constant denial about the situation, and the person may come up with excuses for why he or she experienced a relapse.
Increased feelings of isolation, shame, and hopelessness occur.
Depression may also occur, leading a person to engage in high-risk behaviors.
Due to depression, continued drug use happens to cope with the feelings of hopelessness.
The individual may feel defeated and think the problem will never be resolved.
If you recognize this pattern happen to you and your loved one, it is possible that a relapse cycle is going on. This doesn’t mean that the recovery process is a failure, but it can be helpful to recognize these signs and quickly find a way to get back on track.
What should you do if you or your loved one is experiencing a relapse?
Seek help right away
Once you notice the signs that you or your loved one is experiencing a relapse cycle, it is important to seek help right away. This can prevent further risky behaviors or continued drug use. Often, people who underwent rehab may have a lower tolerance level to drugs compared to their former doses. Others would mistakenly use the same dose, which can lead to potentially fatal consequences.
Accept that relapsing is a process
Relapsing doesn’t mean that you or your loved one is completely thrown off-track. In fact, 40-60% of individuals go through a relapse at one point in their recovery. If this happens, understand that it may be bound to happen. The next step is to accept the condition to make it easier to get back on track.
Pinpoint the triggers and solve them
When trying to understand why a person underwent a relapse cycle, it is essential to know the triggers that caused it. Is it because of too much stress at work? Perhaps it may be time to lessen your load. Is it a problematic relationship? Maybe it would be best to cut ties. Identifying the triggers and finding ways to solve them can be helpful to avoid future relapse cycles.
Recovery is a journey
Just like with any struggle in life, addiction recovery is a journey. This is a process that involves ups and downs–but it doesn’t mean that setbacks are your passport to doom. The earlier you recognize the signs of relapse, the better your chances will be for recovery success.
