While countless people succeed in their first or second attempt at sobriety, others struggle to leave their addiction behind for good. With the myriad temptations and stressors of day-to-day life, it’s vital to build your recovery on a concrete foundation. This is why many people require a specific program tailored to chronic relapse patterns. Fortunately, with proper, evidence-based treatment, healing is possible.
What is Chronic Relapse?
Because addiction is a disease, it is similar to other ailments such as diabetes or hypertension in its relapse potential. Those who fail to adhere to their ongoing treatment plans – such as eating properly or maintaining certain lifestyle changes – will eventually relapse and receive their earlier diagnosis, even if symptoms had cleared up previously. Studies place relapse rates for diabetes at 30 to 50%, addiction at 40 to 60%, and hypertension at 50 to 70%. Fortunately, like these other conditions, addiction can be successfully managed with proper care. Chronic relapsers are those who have been in multiple programs. They may have had long periods of recovery – they’re very familiar with treatment, the 12 steps, and center life – but they can’t seem to stay sober. Because these clients are so experienced in the world of recovery, it’s not recommended to just place them back in Treatment 101. Instead, specialty organizations like BRC Recovery craft individualized relapse prevention plans with unique curricula for these clients.
Characteristics of Chronic Relapse
The cycle of chronic relapse is self-perpetuating and repeating. Behaviors build and feed into one another over time. Some people expand this list to include internal frustration, the passage of time, obsession, and guilt over use, but this is its most condensed form.
- Drug use and abuse.
- Tolerance and dependence.
- Addiction.
- Contemplating treatment.
- Completing addiction treatment.
- Relapse.
- Repeat.
Relapse does not mean that a client has failed, nor that they have suddenly lost all the recovery tools they acquired in treatment. It only indicates that they need to learn how to stop the relapse process and get back into their recovery program.
Sobriety That Sticks
Chronic relapse therapy is a multi-faceted approach to addiction treatment. In an effort to overcome potential triggers, professionals will equip clients with coping mechanisms and healthy responses to stressors. There is also a clinical focus on potential underlying issues – sometimes, an unresolved trauma or deep-seated guilt can drive a person to use again and again, even after treatment. Only by addressing this can true healing begin. This fine-tuning process empowers clients to fully move on and begin their lives anew. Some programs will offer a holistic approach to addiction treatment. Yoga and mindfulness training can be invaluable for those who find themselves returning to old, unhealthy patterns time and time again. By learning to monitor emotions and recognize signs of discomfort or distress, one can avoid the precursors to relapse entirely. Fitness training is also beneficial to those who would like to feel better and develop a positive daily routine. For clients who have unstable home lives or who have missed out on life’s milestones because of their substance use, life skills programs provide missing pieces to a successful, smooth household. Lessons include financial management, physical wellness, goal-setting, accountability, healthy relationships, and community service. By learning to live intentionally and healthfully, home stressors are reduced, and quality of life improves dramatically.
Long-Term Chronic Relapse Treatment
Studies show that the longer someone participates in a treatment program, the better their chance of lasting sobriety. Sometimes, a person who thrived in rehab may have difficulty transitioning back to their daily life. In these instances, it’s recommended to pursue long-term treatment options. Many clients benefit from spending time in sober living homes: drug-free, alcohol-free environments with a built-in sober support network and recovery-focused programming. This level of accountability can make the difference between recovery and relapse. Other clients may live at home but choose to work with a sober coach. These individuals accompany clients to potentially tempting situations and also assure adherence to the treatment program. Case management and monitoring services can also ensure meeting attendance and continued sobriety. Through the use of some or all of these programs, those who used to fall victim to the cycle of chronic relapse will finally be able to stay clean and sober.
Proven, Lasting Addiction Treatment
At BRC Recovery, we specialize in working with clients who consider themselves to be treatment-resistant. Many of our success stories come from those who had attended several rehabs over the years with no lasting results. Today, they’ve defeated chronic relapse. To learn more about our services and how they can help you or a loved one achieve permanent sobriety, please contact us at 1-866-461-1759.