If you're someone who's trying to break free from drug or alcohol addiction, you know that the journey isn't always as easy as you think. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can feel like going back to our old habits. Today, we're going to talk about a relapse . This is something that happens to many people, so don't be afraid to talk about it.
What is `Relapse`?
Simply put, a ``relapse'' is when you start using a substance (such as alcohol or other drugs) again after you've stopped or are trying to stop. This often means starting to use something that is addictive again. Some people call this a ``slip-up.'' But today, health care providers call it ``returning to substance use.''
This relapse is not the same for everyone. You may start using alcohol or drugs again that you have been avoiding for a long time. Some people start using a different type of drug. However, a ``relapse`` is when you start using something that you don't want to use.
Substance Use Disorder is a medical condition that you have. It is not a judgment about who you are. In fact, many people with this condition will relapse at some point during their recovery. The most important thing is to get the health care and help you need to stay sober after you relapse. If you have relapsed (or feel like you are about to), talk to someone you trust. Your loved ones, support groups, a mental health counselor , or a healthcare provider can all help you. They will not judge you or be ashamed of you. They want you to be safe, healthy, and to help you achieve your recovery goals.
What does it mean to have a `relapse`?
A ``relapse'' means that you have used something you want to avoid or need to avoid. It could be a one-time small mistake, or it could be a relapse into a drug or alcohol use pattern.
But the most important thing to remember is that relapse does not mean you are a failure or a bad person. Recovery is a lifelong process. It is not something you can pass or fail like a class in school.
Having a health condition like a substance use disorder doesn't define who you are. Relapse into substance use can be dangerous to your health, so it's important to stay safe. But that doesn't mean you can never reach your recovery goals again. You can always start over.
What triggers you to relapse?
These triggers are different for each person. Here are some things that can cause a relapse that are common to everyone:
- Reconnecting with people or places: Seeing people from your past or going to places that you have fond memories of can be very tempting . You may have drifted away from some friends or relationships during your recovery journey. Seeing them again can bring back familiar feelings from when you were using drugs. For example, seeing a place you used to drink or seeing an old friend you used to hang out with can make you want to go back to those days.
- Changes in your health: You may have a ``relapse'' when you discover you have a new illness, or when an existing illness worsens. This risk is especially high if you have used drugs in the past for pain or other health problems . For example, if someone has arthritis and used alcohol to relieve the pain in the past, they may remember alcohol when the pain comes back.
- Important days: You may experience a strong craving for drugs on holidays, birthdays, religious holidays, or other special occasions. You may have celebrated these days with drugs in the past. Therefore, it is important to be careful on such days.
- Life changes: Starting a new job, losing a job, family or relationship problems, or the death of a loved one can all trigger a desire to use drugs again. Some people turn to drugs because they cannot handle the pressure they feel at times like these.
- Stress or other strong emotions: Stress, anger, fear, guilt, loneliness, or any other strong emotion can make you think about using drugs. This is especially true if you used drugs to deal with your feelings or escape from them. Even happy feelings can sometimes be a trigger. Think about the times when you used to have fun, celebrate something, or have drugs as part of your social life, and you may find yourself thinking about those happy times again. It takes time to learn that you can be happy and make good memories without drugs.
What are the stages of a `relapse`?
While a relapse into drug use may seem like a sudden event, experts have found that many people go through several stages before a relapse. Being aware of these stages can help you and others you know recognize warning signs.
Emotional Relapse
The first stage of a ``relapse'' may not even occur to you. You may not even be thinking about using again. However, a ``trigger'' can cause you to experience strong feelings such as guilt, anger, frustration, fear, or anxiety . Dealing with and managing these feelings can be difficult. At that time, you may do things like:
- You avoid support groups or loved ones who would normally help you manage your emotions.
- You keep your feelings bottled up inside, hide them from your loved ones, and pretend to be fine.
- Changes in the amount of food you eat (eating more all of a sudden or losing interest in food).
- You become isolated, away from the people who are good for you, the activities you enjoy, and the hobbies you enjoy.
- Changes in sleep patterns (not being able to sleep at night, or feeling sleepy all day).
- Gets angry quickly and gets upset over small things.
Imagine, you suddenly remember a friend from the past and feel sad or angry. At that time, you don't call the friend you always talk to and help you. You grieve alone without telling anyone. You stay in your room. This is the nature of an emotional `Relapse`. At this time, you may not even be thinking about drugs, but your behavior has started to change.
Mental Relapse
The mental stage of a ``relapse'' begins when your mind starts to drift back to using drugs. It's like part of your mind is saying, "No, don't use," while another part is arguing, "It's okay to have a little."
If you have a substance use disorder , drugs or alcohol can permanently change the way your brain works. This can make you feel like you can't control your thoughts or desires. Even though you know you don't want to use drugs, it can feel like your brain is playing tricks on you.
- "It's okay to take a little, I can control it."
- "Just this once, I won't use it again."
- "No one will get caught."
- "How much fun was it when you used it before?"
- "You have to take some to handle this `(Stress)`."
Thoughts like this start to come. You start thinking about people and places where you used drugs in the past. You might even think of ways to use them secretly.
Craving a drug does not mean you are weak or powerless. It is part of the illness. It is never too late to ask for help. As soon as you notice these feelings coming on, ask someone you trust for help.
Physical Relapse
This final stage of a ``relapse'' is when you actually start using drugs again. The mental struggle is over, and you do it again in action. This can be a one-time mistake, or it can be a return to using drugs or alcohol on an ongoing basis.
Remember, everyone living with a substance use disorder will relapse at some point. That doesn't mean you can't stop. If your long-term goal is to stay drug-free, you can definitely achieve it. Talk to a healthcare provider and other support systems to get help to quit.
What are the strategies to prevent a relapse?
The most important thing to help prevent a relapse is to stay in treatment. Over time, you will find out what treatments work best for you.
- Take your prescribed medications (if any) on time.
- Continue to talk to a mental health advisor (counselor, psychiatrist).
- Participating in support groups. All of these will help you stay focused on your recovery goals.
It is also helpful to understand what triggers you have . For example, many people experience feelings of stress, guilt, and guilt during holidays or important personal days that can trigger a relapse. If you know when you are most likely to relapse, you can prepare for those times and get the help and other resources you need. Perhaps you can spend more time with someone you trust during those times, or schedule a meeting with a counselor.
For many people, a ``relapse`` occurs when they have a special moment or opportunity to use again. Try to recognize thought patterns like, 'How can I start using again without my loved ones knowing?'' You may feel like your brain and body are pushing you in that direction. At times like these, ask for help from someone you trust.
Important: If you don't have anyone to talk to, or if you need professional help, you can call the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Sri Lanka's emergency hotline at 1926 (24 hours a day). Also, organizations like Sumithrayo (phone numbers: 0112692909, 0112696666, 0112682535) are ready to help you. They are trained to listen to you, find you the resources you need, and support you no matter how you are feeling.
Living with a substance use disorder is a lifelong process. It is possible for anyone to relapse into substance use during recovery. This does not mean that you are a failure. In fact, there is no such thing as a failure. If your goal is to stay drug-free, you can achieve it someday.
If you are experiencing a relapse, you don't have to face it alone. Your healthcare provider, loved ones, and support groups can all keep you safe and help you manage your feelings and thoughts.
The most important things you need to remember in this article
Okay, so here are a few things to keep in mind from what we've talked about:
- A ``(Relapse)``, that is, returning to drug use, is a normal thing. Many people who are trying to get rid of drugs have this experience. It is not a weakness on your part, nor does it mean that you are a failure.
- You are not alone. There are many people who can help you and give you strength on this journey. Don't be afraid to reach out to your family, friends, doctors, counselors, and support groups.
- Identify the triggers that lead to a relapse. Also, be aware of the stages of a relapse (emotional, mental, physical). This will help you prepare in advance and ask for help.
- Even if you relapse, your journey to recovery is not over. You can try again. The most important thing is to ask for help and keep trying.
- If you need help, please speak up. Services like 1926, or the National Institute of Mental Health, are there for you. They will listen to you without judging you.
Remember, recovery is a long journey. There may be twists and turns along the way. You may even have to set back. But you can make it. You are strong. You can do this! One relapse is not the end. Get back up.
` Drugs, alcohol, reuse, relapse, addiction, mental health, help
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