Why Do Addicts Relapse?

For those suffering from addiction, fear of relapsing can actually deter people from seeking treatment. While relapse can be a concern for users and their loved ones, it shouldn’t stop people from getting help. However, it does bring up an interesting question: why do addicts relapse?

Why Do Addicts Relapse?

While some attach a negative stigma to relapsing, recognize that addiction is a lifelong disease. Much like other chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, recovery doesn’t always follow a straight line.

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Some users find that they’re able to manage quite well while in a recovery center, where around-the-clock support helps minimize stress. The relaxing environment helps addicts learn positive habits, but once they leave recovery, they often face the same situations that brought them to rehab in the first place.

Common relapse triggers include:

Without proper support, the addict will likely fall back on using their drug of choice as a coping mechanism.

Why Do Addicts Relapse? They Don’t Choose The Right Therapy

Why do addicts relapse? As with any disease, everyday maintenance is an ongoing process. Addiction is no different, and relapse doesn’t equal failure. In fact, it’s expected, and often provides an opportunity to re-evaluate and modify treatment. With relapse rates as high as 90%, identifying individual triggers is vital in maintaining your sobriety.

The key to relapse prevention is therapy. After going through withdrawal during detox, therapy builds on physical sobriety by tackling the psychological roots of substance abuse.

One relapse prevention method is behavioral therapy, an evidence-based modality that works by retraining your brain. A therapist helps patients to understand and then change self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. The goal of behavioral therapy is making positive behavior a habit, and cultivating sober coping mechanisms. The other main type of relapse prevention method is holistic therapy, which includes expressive art, massage and meditation. Holistic therapy centers on positive experiences that allow patients to clear their minds and express themselves. Holistic healing works by helping clients overcome the mental triggers of their substance abuse.

Group therapy

Group therapy brings together patients, all of whom are working on their recovery from substance abuse. With the aid of a therapist, the group opens up about their struggles, helping the collective move towards sobriety. Group therapy also features heavily in outpatient treatment, which focuses on ensuring your sobriety sticks after leaving a residential rehab center. Therapies offered to clients at Serenity Lodge include, but aren’t limited to:

Recovery Should Include Relapse Prevention Education

Even after treatment, it takes work to maintain your sobriety. Learning effective relapse prevention techniques and taking advantage of comprehensive aftercare programs can keep you on the path to sustainable recovery.

At Serenity Lodge in Lake Arrowhead, California, we help Clients not only during their stay with us, but we also provide you with coping skills to successfully manage life’s demands after treatment.

Our peaceful 22-acre, men’s-only facility just outside of San Bernardino is the perfect place to get a fresh start. Each Client is offered a private room along, with access to:

While relapse can be a concern, it doesn’t have to stop you from getting the treatment you deserve. Call Serenity Lodge today at [Direct] to discuss how we help men live a prosperous life.

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