In this article, Gulf Coast Drug Rehab discusses the concept of lapse and relapses and provides tips and suggestions on how relapse can be better prevented or managed.
According to the Gulf Coast Drug Rehab, a relapse is defined as a return to drug use after a period of abstinence. The possibility of relapse is overwhelming and disappointing to family and significant others but as rehabilitation experts explain, it is so common that it has been recognized as one of the cardinal features of addiction.
Relapse is frustrating and painful. Gulf Coast Drug Rehab reveals that multiple and interactive factors can trigger it. Some of the frequently cited precursors of relapse include positive or negative mood states or periods of extreme stress, drug craving triggers and stimuli, and backsliding (sampling drugs in even very small amounts).
In clinical terms, a distinction is made between lapse and relapse. Lapse refers to a return to drug use after undergoing treatment. Relapse, on the other hand, is somewhat more serious; it denotes a return to the former level of substance abuse pre-treatment.
The most vulnerable period for a recovering addict is the first 30 to 90 days after finishing a drug addiction treatment program. From a sheltered environment that has been sanitized of stress and drug availability, the individual is released back into a lifestyle, which enabled the addictive behavior in the first place. Even someone who has been effectively treated for addiction will still find confronting unexpected situations and temptations as a challenge.
Contingency management should include means that will allow the early detection of a lapse. In the event that a lapse does indeed occur, steps to control the damage should be established. This will depend largely on personal and family dynamics. Some of the steps that can help formulate a game plan for contingency management would include the following:
Ask the recovering addict to identify and describe early warning signs and behaviors, which can help detect a lapse. For instance, it may include such behaviors like "failing to care about reporting on time for work" or "neglecting to attend group counseling sessions".
Print out and display copies of these warning signs for easy reference, as well as copies of the continuing care plan.
Plan specific actions to be taken in case the early warning signs are observed. For instance, a family member should be authorized to freeze access to bank accounts if needed. Establish these steps before any warning signs are in the horizon.
Continue to monitor changes, and express support with lifestyle modifications, which are consistent with a drug-free lifestyle. Also be open enough to discuss any episodes of lapse.
Both the recovering addict and the family should be prepared for the likelihood of lapse and relapse. It is something, which can be better handled through open discussion and contingency management. In the event that a lapse does occur (as it tends to in 50% of cases), newly acquired healthy coping strategies can prevent the slide from relapsing into the full-blown addiction once more. Clearly, those who can count on familial support and other resources will fare well in this aspect, compared to those who are forced to face contingency management alone.
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Myself Peter and Freelance Content Writer. I have Written many Article for various topics. Some of my favorite topics Like:- health blog, nutrition blog, skin blog, diet blog, beauty blog, best health advisor
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