February 23, 2012

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Signs of Drug Addiction Relapse

Various prescription and street drugs may caus... 

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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.

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Drug Addiction

When a drug is needed so that a person can perform normal functions, this is known as drug dependence. Withdrawal symptoms result if the drug is stopped abruptly. Compulsive use of a drug, despite the consequences which can be dangerous or negative to the body is known as drug addiction.

There can be a physical dependence on a drug and yet a person may not be addicted to it. For example, someone taking blood pressure medication may develop a physical dependence on the drug yet not be addicted to it. Addiction would occur when there may be no physical dependence. Other signs of addiction include the need to take a higher dose of the drug in order to achieve the same effects.

The precise causes of drug abuse and addiction remain unknown. Some factors that are considered when a person becomes addicted to drugs include their genes, the effects of the drug on that person, peer pressure, anxiety, emotional distress, anxiety, stress and depression. Although peer pressure can play a major role in leading to drug abuse, typically those who become addicted suffer from some kind of mental health problem. Children who grow up in an environment where there is parental use of drugs may be exposed to a higher risk for developing a drug addiction later in life.

There are certain tendencies in people that become dependent on drugs and are likely to abuse them. These include people who have easy access to drugs, have emotional problems which may involve low self-esteem or problems with relationships, live a style of life that that is stressful, economically, socially or emotionally, live in an environment where the social use of drugs is highly accepted, or have such mental health problems as schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorder. The treatment of these factors once recognized can help to lead to the prevention of drug abuse and addiction.

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Treatments for Drug Addiction

Recognizing the problem is the first step in the treatment of drug abuse. People who are addicted to drugs sometimes deny their drug addiction but it has been found that they respond better if empathy and respect are used in their treatment rather than being confronted about their addiction. When seeking attention for drug addiction, a trained professional should be part of the evaluation process in order to determine the best care.

v dependency typically begins with detoxification wherein the abused substance is withdrawn by either gradual or abrupt means. The starting point should be the least intensive treatment. To assist in the withdrawal process, sometimes medications are prescribed in order to suppress or reduce the side effects and risks of withdrawal.

People who enter residential drug programs then receive additional support and assistance. Their withdrawal symptoms and behavior are monitored so any problems with the withdrawal process can be addressed. Behavior modification techniques are employed so that users start to recognize their behaviors and actions, modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug abuse and start using skills that will lead them to a more healthy life. Behavior modification techniques can also make the medications used in the treatment process more effective so that people will stay in treatment longer.

Counseling is also involved in treatment and includes the drug abuser and perhaps the family in a group setting. Both physical and psychological support are needed as part of treatment. If depression or some other mood disorder becomes evident, it should be treated as well as very often people started their drug abuse as an attempt to treat their mental illness on their own.

There is also long-term care once the person has been released from the residential drug program that provides additional assistance and peer support. There are also many support groups in the community that people can join to help in their continued abstinence from using the drug for which they were treated.

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Stages of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is not something that occurs overnight but takes time to develop. There are several stages involved in the use of drugs that may lead to dependence and addiction.

The first stage involves experimental use. Peer group pressure is typically involved and the drug user takes the drug for recreational use. In younger people, taking drugs in this fashion may signal the enjoyment of defying or rebelling against parents or other figures of authority.

The next stage is regular use of the drug. The user begins to miss days at school or work and starts to worry about losing their source of the drug. The drug is used whenever negative feelings occur as a way to fix them. The user also keeps away from family and friends and may even resort to changing friends to those who are regular users like himself. There is an increase in the ability to handle and tolerate the drug.

Next is a daily preoccupation with the drug. Any motivation regarding school or work is lost by the user who does not care about these commitments any longer. All thoughts revolve the drug as it becomes more important than all other interests, including relationships. The user becomes secretive and may start to deal in drugs in order to support the habit. The use of harder, more serious drugs may increase as well as the associated legal problems.

Finally, there is complete dependence on the drug. The user cannot face daily life without the drug and relies on it to keep going all day. One’s physical condition worsens, there is a loss of control over the use of the drug and financial and legal problems worsen. By this time, ties with family members and with friends may have broken completely. At this point, the user craves the drug and seeks its use, regardless of the negative consequences that may befall him in the process of taking them.

Filed Under: Addiction, Drugs Tagged With: , ,