What Causes Substance Abuse Relapse?

Many drug abuse counselors and therapists report that, once introduced to recovery, a drug addict has an average 1 in 35 chance of staying clean. The societal, internal and environmental forces driving substance abuse relapse are overwhelming for most addicts who return to their drug use rather than continue through the perceived pain of sobriety. There are a number of causes for substance abuse relapse, most of which can be prevented.

Compulsion

• Drug addiction is a combination of physical compulsion and mental obsession that remains with drug addicts often for years after getting into recovery. The compulsion to use often outweighs the desire to stay clean.

Support

• Refusing to participate in a support group, such as a 12-step program, is one of the major causes of relapse. Regular attendance helps recovering addicts learn how to develop coping skills for compulsion and obsession.

Lifestyle

• Addicts who do not develop new ways of thinking and behaving have trouble staying clean. Actions that bring about self-loathing--such as stealing, lying and promiscuity--will drive an addict to self-destruction.

Environment

• There's a saying, "If you keep going to the barbershop, you're going to get a haircut." It applies to addicts who continue to hang around drug-using friends at clubs, bars and dope houses.

Pain Management

• A common trigger sending recovering addicts back out is pain medication following an accident or surgery. The drugs trigger old compulsions.