Drug and Alcohol Relapse Prevention

Achieving full recovery is a process. Some people arrive faster than others, as it may take many months or many years. Finding the right aftercare treatment program can be a key factor in whether or not someone has the necessary tools to avoid relapse. Skills for dealing with relapse should be taught at every program, but some don’t offer enough help in this area, or there is nobody at the facility to contact if times are rough.

Despite the reality that relapses occur for many people, it shouldn’t be viewed as a hopeless situation. There are many contributing factors to relapse. For some, it could be unresolved personal issues or the incorrect medication. For others, there may be outside sources creating a difficult environment, or a lack of recovery support system.

In a recent but very quiet change, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) updated its view on addiction. It used to say that addiction was an incurable brain disease that was treatable with therapy and medication.

Today, it says that addiction isn’t always curable, but that it is very manageable. It goes on to say that relapse rates for addiction are between 40% and 60%, which is similar to other chronic illnesses.