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There are times when someone with an addiction can relapse after treatment. Contrary to what some people may think, a relapse does not happen the first time the recovering addict takes drugs. Relapse is actually a gradual process that begins when the drug or alcohol addicted person starts taking the addictive substance repeatedly.
Relapse shouldn’t be seen as a sign of failure. Statistics have shown at approximately 90 percent of people who undergo addiction treatment go through at least one period of relapse before achieving full recovery.
Some of the signs that may indicate a phase of relapse include:
- Depression which may suggest that all is not well.
- Lying in an attempt to cover up what is happening.
- Behavioral changes such as breaking from routine. This may be as simple as skipping meals and changes in sleeping pattern.
- Failure to take part in recovery activities such as counseling sessions, exercising or other healthy, alternative habits that were formed to help in overcoming addiction.
- Feelings of self pity: Recovering addicts sometimes complain about not being able to drink like everyone else. They may say that life is unfair or that they are not being respected.
Getting Back on Track
It takes support of loved ones to help a recovering addict stay on course. However, the addicted person must also want to change their behavior. For some people, getting back on track after relapse calls for re-entering addiction treatment centers. For others, it’s a matter of acknowledging the problem and working harder to avoid situations that can lead to substance abuse. If you find yourself slipping back into addiction, don’t hesitate to ask for help.