Understanding Relapse

Breaking free from an addiction is a challenge. There are individuals who have almost lost everything before they realized how addiction has gotten through them and before they are willing to let go of the substance abuse. Making it through recovery is a great feeling of accomplishment for them. But we have to admit that a change in lifestyle is not easy to make nor maintain, especially for people who went through an addiction.

Relapses occur in a series of steps that can lead to a return to self-destructive behavior. It can occur during the first week or months of recovery. Sometimes, it occurs after a long time of sobriety. A relapse is common. It can happen even when you feel well or cured from the addiction. Lots of people may experience one or more relapses before they achieve long-lasting sobriety or total abstinence from the substance.

The best way to prevent a sudden relapse is to know, understand and learn the warning signs of the person’s addiction and the factors that can lead to the condition. In this way, it can serve as an opportunity for the recovering person and to the family member to identify what triggered the relapse and find ways to avoid it. Visit Ranch Creek Recovery, a drug rehab in San Diego, for a relapse prevention program that can help you manage the condition.