Relapse Prevention – All You Need to Know

Relapse is an inevitable part of therapy

A person might return to substance abuse after a brief period of quitting it, making the patient feel more awful and bad about themselves. The returning back to substance abuse is called relapse. It strikes a feeling of hopelessness, and it can make an individual think that they may never recover. However, relapses are extremely common, and they happen pretty often. This is common even during the therapy, and some even say this is a part of the journey.

How can loved ones help a person going through substance abuse?

People often look for things they can do to help a loved one going through substance abuse, it can get tricky sometimes, but it isn’t impossible. Yes, every patient may have a different reason for substance abuse, but there are certain things people can follow-

• Establishing trust with the patient: Establishing trust is exceptionally vital; this is the first step in helping someone addicted to bringing a change in themselves. If one party has betrayed the other at some point, it becomes complicated, but it is worth a try.
• Communication is the key: It can be frustrating for someone impatient to understand, but communication is an essential factor. One needs to talk about their issues with someone who cares about them. Communicating with family and friends can help in putting the patient suffering from substance abuse at ease.

Seeking treatment from a rehab

People often wonder if Rehab is even important and whether it will be any good to help prevent relapse. We understand that people are sceptical because they think about the time and money they need to put in. But rehabs is crucial because you cannot stop on your own. There is a reason people fail; it is not just about the will. Addictions impact the brain in ways that change the reward system of the brain’s chemistry. This makes the brain work against your will. It generates fear for withdrawal and makes people relapse again and again.

The dangerous part about addiction is it gets worse over time. The body adapts to alcohol as you drink more and more. This means you drink more over time.

How does rehab help?

There are several ways in which rehab can help an individual going through a rough addiction phase. However, it is vital to understand the plan they pick and the position they are at. Some of the ways rehab help get through addiction are –

1. Understanding addiction and awareness- The consumption of common drugs can create a void in one’s ability to make conscious decisions. It attacks brain chemistry, and people lose the ability to make good decisions for themselves. This is where re-education and awareness from rehabs help them.
2. Care, counselling and therapies – There are several reasons for drug abuse, and it’s essential to understand the reason behind drug abuse and work on them. People often think it’s easy to take care of patients, and what would be a better place to take care of their loved ones than at home. This is where they are wrong. Addiction problems can exist along with other mental health issues, and dealing with them at home without counselling and therapy is simply not possible.

Besides, there have been many advancements in the field of co-occurring mental health concerns, and it is easier to diagnose these patients. Nowadays, there are dual diagnosis treatments as well that deal with more specialized and complex rehabilitation of addicts. They deal with both mental illness and addiction.

Tips to avoid alcohol abuse

While it is difficult to deal with addiction, there are specific ways you can prevent yourself from addiction. This will require both time and money.

You need to understand your limits as well. If you think you can lose control and start drinking, you must actively try to keep away from social gatherings where drinks are available or storing alcohol at home. You can also start hanging out with friends who avoid alcohol. If you or someone you know is going through substance abuse, seek consultations from experts immediately.

Why Cadabams?

At Cadabams, we ensure that you get the treatment you need and deserve. Our team of psychiatrists is an expert in psychosocial rehabilitation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and family-focused therapy that has proven to be highly effective in treating alcohol dependence and relapse prevention. We have over two decades of expertise in handling the most complex and severe relapse-related challenges. Our multispecialty team of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, physicians work round the clock and are with you every step of the way. We offer world-class evidence-based treatment that is fit for all stages and all types of alcohol dependence and relapses during or after rehab therapies.

Cadabams is widely trusted by various healthcare experts to help individuals suffering from alcohol abuse and subsequent relapses. It is a comfortable facility where individuals are treated with attention, love, care, and concern. We offer an exclusive range of solutions and treatments based on the condition and issues faced by an individual.

Call us on our mental health helpline +91 96111 94949 for further details on getting alcohol treatment in India or Alcoholism related emergencies.

Disclaimer – We strive to treat our patients with dignity and the utmost sensitivity. We understand that addiction is a disease and that it is not a sign of weakness. We don’t use any term in a derogatory fashion but to remain relevant to user search trends and common usage. In case you or a loved one share a unique viewpoint on how we can improve this content for our readers, please reach out to us at info@cadabams.org

FAQs

Can relapses be prevented?

Yes, relapse prevention is possible, and achievable with certain measures. It is highly essential for individuals at the risk of relapse to seek out necessary help from family and friends and from professionals if needed. Attending self-help groups, retrospecting about past relapses, their triggers, chalking out a prevention plan, setting healthy, attainable boundaries are some of the ways relapse prevention can be approached.

How long does a relapse last?

The triggers and extent of relapse vary from individual to individual. While for some, the relapse stays active for a couple of days, some may be a victim of it for weeks or months altogether. Thus, on-time diagnosis, preventive measures, and treatment are highly essential.