Completing a comprehensive detox and therapy program is the most successful way to treat addiction. However, addiction relapse is always a risk because there's no cure for addiction. To reach successful recovery, people with addiction must constantly manage the disease. Understanding relapse and getting aftercare treatment can help you avoid this.
In general, relapse involves using alcohol or drugs after remaining sober for a period of time. However, people often have the wrong idea about it. Simply drinking a beer is merely a recovery lapse. To clarify, a relapse occurs when using becomes a regular occurrence and negatively affects people's lives.
Furthermore, addiction relapse is common because recovery requires personal maintenance. Overall, opiates have a high relapse rate while alcohol’s is more moderate. Even after years in recovery, people experience cravings, especially in stressful situations. It's only when they continue giving into these temptations that they have a problem.
Above all, it's essential that people with addiction understand the danger of relapse. The biggest problem is overdose, which can be deadly.
Most people don't think about the tolerance they built while using drugs. After long sobriety periods, they may lapse with the same dose as when they were actively using. Unfortunately, this sends the body into shock. Because of this, overdose can put you in a coma, or worse, kill you.
Physical relapse involves regularly using drugs again. However, there are emotional and mental forms of relapse as well.
Emotional relapse occurs when people in recovery are in denial about using. They may feel shame for a previous relapse and develop negative behaviors. These bad habits include avoiding support group meetings or suppressing their emotions. Overall, emotional relapse sets the foundation for physical relapse.
Furthermore, mental relapse occurs when people have the desire to use but know they shouldn't. In certain situations, they misjudge the likelihood of using, justifying it as controlled use. However, physical relapse develops as the frequency of use increases. These are important aspects to be aware of.
When people reach recovery, aftercare is crucial to preventing relapse. Along with being a stepping stone between primary treatment and home life, it's the best way to maintain support. It helps people gradually return to their daily lives without feeling out of control. Fortunately, there are several ways to receive aftercare.
The main method is through a rehab center’s aftercare program. Often, this is a step down from residential treatment. After completing a primary program, patients can choose to stay for guidance and support. However, the staff gives them the freedom to return to everyday life. Additionally, staff helps them adjust to normal life along the way.
Some people use outpatient treatment as primary care. However, those who complete residential care can use it as step-down treatment. They go back to living at home but return to the rehab center several times a week. This option gives them even more schedule flexibility.
Additionally, people who feel comfortable going home receive aftercare through support groups and private therapy. They regularly see a counselor and participate in meetings. Most people in recovery continue getting help for the rest of their lives.
If you want to prevent relapse after primary treatment, San Antonio Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas offers aftercare. Alongside this program, we offer additional rehab addiction treatment including:
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we believe in full-spectrum treatment. We combine advanced methods in a supportive, comfortable environment. After a full assessment, we design a treatment plan that focuses on your individual needs. Not to mention, if you're searching for an Austin recovery center, our facility is conveniently close by.
Don't leave rehab without taking advantage of aftercare. Continue to get the support that you need to stay sober and avoid relapse. Reach out to San Antonio Recovery Center today at 866-957-7885.
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