About Drug Relapse

Because drugs can be highly addictive both physically and mentally, a rapid dependency often occurs. A relapse is always possible. In order to prevent a relapse, it's important to understand how the body works in connection with these episodes.

Dangers

• There are several contributors to a drug relapse. Being around other users and in areas where drugs are prevalent can cause a relapse, because the recovering addict is suddenly tempted to indulge again. When she's bored, she's also at a high risk and is challenged to find positive activities to replace her need to get "high." Loneliness, despair, fear and anxiety also sets in; she feels only the drug can cure her negative feelings.

Other Risks

• Withdrawal from drugs such as heroin and alcohol causes physical pain (nausea, vomiting and cramps). A relapse is possible if the recovering addict believes only the drug can cure his ailment. Additionally, suddenly getting a lot of money can create the urge to spend it on drugs. A person is also in danger of a relapse if he becomes complacent and takes his sobriety for granted, believing he's safe if he only uses occasionally.

Relapse Cause

• When someone consumes drugs for some time, the organs are incapable of erasing all traces of the drugs inside of the system. These traces are also called "drug metabolites" that dwell in the fatty tissues. When they reappear in the system, they cause a craving for the drug. So when a person temporarily wins the battle against drugs, she can still suffer a relapse because of these existing manifestations.

Avoidance

• The recovering addict has a tough time ahead. His most likely chance of staying sober is to handle his problems in a positive manner. Instead of becoming stressed and resorting to drugs to ease his mental anguish, he should understand that issues will always arise in life and he must learn to handle them in a productive manner. He should also gain support from family and friends who can help him to stay on track.

Statistics

• According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Robert Fiorentine conducted a study at the University of California and found that women suffer a lower relapse rate than men. This is largely because women are more accepting of group counseling than men. Additionally, Dr. Roger Weiss of McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass., cited that after interviewing 74 patients who had been hospitalized for drug addiction, more women remained abstinent (51 percent) than men (25 percent).

Help

• The federally sponsored Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has one of the most respected treatment referral locators in America. Its facility locator (see Resources) has over 11,000 treatment programs that include inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, hospitalization and after-care treatment for addicts and recovering addicts.