The Benefits of Ongoing Treatment for Substance Abuse
Relapse can be a natural part of recovery, however, it doesn’t have to be. Aftercare can decrease the likelihood of relapse when you are in recovery. Addiction can cause permanent damage to your physical and mental health, relationships and life. Addiction can be powerful, but you aren’t powerless. Therapy can help.
For many in active addiction, their path to recovery begins with detox or inpatient treatment. After completing these programs, many wonder what they can do next to stay sober.
Relapse is scary, but there are things you can do to continue to move forward in your recovery and make relapse less likely. You can overcome addiction, but you cannot do it alone. No one can do it all on their own, you deserve support in your recovery.
What is Relapse?
“An alcohol or drug relapse is the recurrence of any disease that has gone into remission or recovery. As a chronic disease, addiction is subject to periods of relapse,” says Summit Behavioral Health. Staying in the same environment – people, places and other potential triggers, will likely lead to relapse.
While you may know that you need to change your lifestyle and surroundings, this isn’t an easy thing to do. There are some things you can limit contact with, however, if family is a trigger this can be easier said than done.
Relapse is very real. In fact, “approximately half of all individuals who try to become sober return to heavy use, with 70 to 90 percent experiencing at least one mild to moderate slip” says Psychology Today. While relapse is something to be mindful of, there are steps you can take to limit the likelihood. Finding a counselor that is the right fit for you can make a world of difference.
The Science Behind Relapse
“Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw.” Psychologist Charlotte Boettiger writes in an article published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Relapse may occur, not because you lack the will, determination and/or discipline. It can happen because the ‘connections’ in your brain have been changed by the addictive substance you were using. The longer the exposure, the greater the neural connection damage.
Substance use can also impact your brain’s ability to weigh rewards and consequences. it can be difficult to abstain from use even when you know there are severe consequences.
Therapy and Addiction
Working with a skilled therapist can help you further your recovery and avoid relapse. Counseling can help you to identify your triggers and make plans to cope without using. You can process your history of use and find new, healthier outlets.
Getting sober is hard, there are a lot of aspects that aren’t enjoyable. Therapy can provide a safe environment where you can process your feelings and experiences. You can get sober and stay sober. There are many evidence-based approaches that can be used, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) have been shown to be effective.
Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with skilled, knowledgeable therapists who can help. Call CCS today to get started!