Why Relapse Prevention Fails

Mark Twain once said, "It's easy to quit smoking. I've done it hundreds of times."  Relapse is defined in two ways: 1) a "recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement" and 2) "the act or an instance of backsliding, worsening, or subsiding." Sometimes dealing with relapse is just as challenging as attempting recovery or rehabilitation in the first place. Emotionally you may feel like there's something wrong with you since you can't seem "beat this thing." Know this. Alcohol and Drug addiction is a condition that is classified as a relapsing disorder meaning there's a greater chance for you to relapse than there is for you not to. Is this reason enough to not try at all? No it isn't. The simple truth is that as expected as relapse is, it is something that can be prevented. There are many reasons why relapse prevention fails. The key is to find the strategies and solutions to succeed.

Relapse Prevention -- Seeing The Signs

Believe it or not there are actually indicators that can lead to a relapse. What's important to take note of is that being able to identity these factors is one of the core reason why relapse prevention doesn't work.

• Poor maintenance -- When the recovery is not combined with some sort of outpatient support or therapy the patient is essentially driving without a seatbelt.  A stable, continued program of therapy and support can help an addicted individual maintain their sobriety especially early on. Making sure there is a maintenance system in place along with a well structured maintenance plan is the difference between moving positively toward abstinence and heading back down the path to substance abuse.
• Lack of personal support -- Significant others, spouses, relatives and friends need to be part of this recovery. Diminished involvement on their part will make the tendency for relapse much easier. Significant others are also in need of recovery from the strain and struggle of dealing with an addicted individual. Their assistance in this process only makes things better.
• No coping skills or self knowledge -- These skills are extremely important so that the individual who may be prone to relapse can spot the warning sings themselves and come up with strategies on how to solve them. The best way to learn those skills is through education and practice so that when faced with a "relapse" situation you're prepared to handle it. Without the proper coping skills and education you have no personal defense against anything that might trigger a relapse.

Relapse Prevention Through Reprogramming and Recovery

One of the most difficult tasks is the retraining of your mind and body to get used to life without drugs and alcohol. Not being able to pinpoint your specific triggers, social pressures and stimulants that could drive you to use or drink is a surefire way to experiencing a relapse. And while there are common issues, not everyone will have the same exact triggers. The key to successful prevention is to know exactly what might cause you personally to relapse taking into consideration what you're feeling inside, what kind of environment you're in and the patterns that lead you to drinking and using previously. These are not skills and strategies you can learn on your own. You need people who have been though it, suffered relapses of their own. Their level of understanding gives them the insight and the experience to know what you're feeling with and the best ways to approach the situation. Mark Houston has people like that. We realize the challenge you now confront because we have dealt with it before. It's not just about stopping the abuse. It's about living life -- without it.

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