When a recovered addict leaves a long term rehabilitation facility, they will believe they can finally remain sober and clean. However, it is highly common for an individual to relapse and fall back into the grasp of their chosen drug. Relapsing can occur due to a number of reasons: bad influences, lack of resolution, triggered by an unfortunate event etc. It is an individual’s responsibility to remain sober and there is no need for relapsing to occur.
Relapsing – Predictable and preventable
Relapsing can be summed up by the two “P’s”; Predictable and Preventable. It can be tackled through strong self-motivation and guidance from those established in the programme. Addicts must not see relapse as a failure, but as part of the process. In due course, the process will, if the individual really wants it, lead to sobriety. Maintaining sobriety requires a dedication like nothing else. One has to change habits, assiduously follow advice given during treatment and sustain responsibility over actions. It is when one of these is abandoned that a person will relapse.
The trends and statistics
Studies have shown that men are more likely to relapse than women. Women generally have a greater tendency to ask for help when struggling. By going to support groups and voicing their issues, this can prevent them turning to drink or drugs.
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have conducted a survey as part of the National Institute of Health (NIH). Discoveries include that those who develop substance abuse problems before they are 25 years old are less likely to seek treatment and ask for help with their problem. However, an increasing number of young people are developing a drinking problem resulting in alcoholism. This may be a result of the binge drinking phenomena that has become an increasing part of many youth’s lives. In a young person’s life, excessive and heavy drinking plays a large role. Therefore, it is no surprise that they are likely to develop an addiction. From the survey, one can determine that 45.5% of people with alcohol dependency and addiction had a problem before they turned 25 years old. Statistically, once these individuals are in the grips of their substance abuse, they will find it very hard to ask for help.
Regardless of one’s demographic or personal characteristics, the fact that someone is dependent on drugs or alcohol means less of a chance of living sober again. This shocking revelation shows the imperative problem of binge drinking amongst those under 25 and the necessity to change it immediately. Addiction is a disease and needs to be treated like one. If you or a loved one is suffering from any type of substance abuse please seek help as soon as possible.