Chronic Relapsing: How to Stop the Cycle
It is a significant step in someone’s life to enter a recovery program. The journey toward sobriety begins with hope, excitement, and motivation. However, many people do not realize it will also take perseverance to reach their goal. Successful recovery often requires persevering through many ups and downs, including the cycle of success and relapse. Read on to learn more about chronic relapsing.
To learn more about how we can help you overcome all obstacles to a sober and fulfilling life, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery.
What is Chronic Relapsing?
Relapse occurs when an alcoholic or addict falls back into addiction during recovery. This is a common occurrence considering that the nature of addiction lends itself to a chronic substance abuse struggle. Chronic relapse describes a person stuck in a cycle of addiction treatment, recovery, and lapsing once again into using alcohol or drugs.
The term “chronic relapse” seems a discouraging and defeating self-fulfilling prophecy to those stuck in such a recurring pattern. However, a distinction must be made between chronic and permanent. Although relapses may occur for an extended time, substance abuse professionals remain hopeful that the cycle can be broken.
What Triggers Chronic Relapses?
Substance abuse experts believe chronic relapses are a normal part of recovery. However, even the most dedicated and motivated person seeking sobriety can be triggered to relapse. One of the significant things that professionals can aid in is identifying what triggers relapsing. Although these are unique to each individual, there are some common ones, such as:
- Isolation. It is easy for those in recovery to become isolated due to breaking away from old friends, activities, and places. This can lead to boredom, which experts agree is a dangerous feeling for addicts.
- Lack of support. Recovery is a very individual journey and a group effort at the same time. A supportive family, group of friends, and peers sharing the same journey are all critical to a successful recovery. Without this needed support, chronic relapsing is likely to occur.
- Withdrawal. Individuals are vulnerable to relapsing within their first week of successful recovery due to the discomfort of withdrawing from the abused substance. Medical attention may be needed during this time of intense symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and muscle pain.
- Undiagnosed mental health issues. Many people have a mental health condition underlying their addiction. Recovery that does not address these types of issues is likely to end in cycles of relapsing.
- Cravings. Many people in recovery continue experiencing cravings once they are sober. Without the skills needed to overcome these cravings, they can cause a chronic relapse.
How To Stop the Relapse Cycle
It is important to learn from each relapse in order to make the changes that lead to ending the cycle. Some helpful steps to breaking the cycle of chronic relapsing can include the following:
- A proven residential treatment program.
- A healthy and reliable support system.
- Diagnosis and treatment for underlying mental health conditions.
- Medical assistance with withdrawal symptoms.
- A regular exercise program.
- Getting plenty of quality sleep.
- Maintaining a healthy diet.
- Learning and practicing new hobbies and skills.
- Learning stress management skills.
Consider Myrtle Beach Recovery
If you or a loved one are struggling during recovery, let Myrtle Beach Recovery help you with our 12-step immersion program. Our experienced staff will help you work through the steps to help you regain control of your life.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on your journey to sobriety.
