What is Chronic Relapse?
Chronic relapse occurs when someone who is addicted to a harmful substance habitually returns to drugs or alcohol despite efforts to quit. Many addicts involved in a rehabilitation program will have a relapse or maybe even a few relapses, but eventually they will progress toward sobriety. There are others who have a much more difficult time and seem to undo any progress made with repeated relapses.
Some addicts do well in a treatment program, but once they leave the program, they are no longer in a protected environment. They find it very difficult to continue with the discipline that they learned while under treatment. Addiction treatment programs are set up to provide a lot of support, and sadly, everyone does not have the same level of support available after leaving a program. Finding a program that has some kind of aftercare component can make all the difference for a “real recovery” for some addicts. Being able to stay in touch with counselors or attend meetings can keep someone from slipping back into the cycle of abuse.
Chronic relapse takes a toll on the patient’s self-esteem and relationships. A patient has to find ways to acknowledge the relapse, take it seriously, and avoid feeling continually guilty. Family and friends have to do the same: admit that their loved one has a problem, see the relapse as a sign that more support is in order, and not continually accuse the patient of messing up.
It is easy to become disappointed and demoralized by chronic relapse, but those feelings can get in the way of recovery’s progress. It is important not to let a relapse become a return to a former way of life. Instead, viewing a relapse as temporary can help an addict get back in to the detox process. Rather than concentrating on the relapse, think about the time spent being sober. Anyone who relapses must have spent some time successfully being sober, and that is an accomplishment that will help to retain the proper focus for recovery.
