For those in recovery, the fear of relapse can be overwhelming. It often brings about a mix of emotions: temptation to use again, shame about relapsing, and a feeling of being out of control. However, relapse is both observable and preventable. By recognizing the warning signs and addressing personal needs, individuals can safeguard their recovery.
Relapse is a part of many people’s recovery stories, but it does not mean the end of long-term sobriety. Staying vigilant about the possibility of relapse is crucial because it carries the risk of overdose or even death. Understanding the causes of relapse, why it poses such a high risk of overdose, and how to achieve long-term sobriety is essential.
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How Common Are Relapses?
Relapse rates for addiction are similar to those of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Statistics indicate that 40 to 60 percent of people with addiction will experience a relapse. While these numbers might seem discouraging, it’s important to focus on the other half who achieve long-term sobriety and the health and happiness that come with it. Even those who relapse retain the resources, support systems, and coping tools they gained during treatment, which can help them return to recovery.
What Causes Relapse?
Recovery should be viewed as a spectrum, with relapse on one end and a thoughtful program of self-care and growth-oriented activities on the other. Relapse is not a binary state of either being sober or relapsing but rather a series of movements in either direction. It occurs when a person engages in patterns of thoughts or behaviors that destabilize recovery, making substance use appear appealing. To this individual, returning to addiction seems logical because they have been internalizing and agreeing with the thought patterns of addiction.
How Can a Person Prevent Relapse and Stay Sober?
In treatment, individuals learn to identify high-risk situations and warning signs of relapse. They develop relapse prevention plans to handle triggers and life stressors. Understanding that addiction is a chronic and progressive disease is crucial; it requires ongoing maintenance using coping skills, support networks, and self-care routines. By applying these techniques, people in recovery can navigate any threat of relapse effectively.
How Can I Tell if a Loved One Relapsed?
Visible signs of substance use, such as being under the influence, can indicate a relapse. However, many people with substance use disorders are adept at hiding their usage. For those new to recovery, active signs of drug use might be the only clear indicators. For individuals with long-term recovery, behavioral changes such as withdrawing from support groups or exhibiting restlessness and irritability can signal a relapse. Other warning signs include:
- Changing priorities where recovery becomes unimportant
- Compulsive behaviors
- Magical thinking
- Isolation
- Destabilized emotions
- Withdrawal from support groups
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- General discontent
Which Drugs Have the Highest Relapse Rates?
All drugs have the potential for relapse, but alcohol and opioids have the highest rates. Studies show that up to 80 percent of people relapse within the first year of treatment for these substances. Stimulants and benzodiazepines also have high relapse rates. Understanding the triggers and having a relapse prevention plan in place is crucial for anyone in recovery, especially for those who have used these high-risk substances.
Why Is Opioid Relapse and Overdose So Dangerous?
Opioid relapse is particularly dangerous due to the rapid increase in tolerance levels during use. When a person stops using opioids, their tolerance decreases. If they relapse and use the same amount of opioids as before, their body is not prepared to handle the high dosage, leading to a high risk of overdose. The presence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, in many street drugs has exacerbated the overdose crisis. Fentanyl is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it a leading cause of overdose deaths.
How to Spot an Opioid Overdose
Signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Unconsciousness
- Respiratory depression (slow breathing)
- Pale or clammy face
- Bluish skin, lips, and fingernails in lighter-skinned individuals
- Grayish or ashen skin, lips, and fingernails in darker-skinned individuals
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
If these signs are present, call emergency services immediately, try to wake the person, check for breathing, administer Naloxone if available, and stay with them until help arrives.
How to Deal with Relapse
When someone you care about relapses, it can be a deeply challenging and emotional experience. However, knowing how to respond effectively can make a significant difference in their path back to recovery. Here are detailed steps to take if you find yourself in this situation:
1. Assess for Intoxication, Overdose, Withdrawal, or Suicidal Thoughts
The first and most crucial step is to assess the immediate physical and mental health of the person who has relapsed. Look for signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, impaired coordination, or unusual behavior. If you suspect an overdose, watch for symptoms like unconsciousness, slow or irregular breathing, and blue or grayish skin tones. In the case of opioids, pinpoint pupils are a critical indicator. If withdrawal symptoms are present, they might include nausea, shaking, sweating, and severe anxiety.
Additionally, assess the individual’s mental state. If they express or exhibit signs of suicidal thoughts, it is imperative to seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Removing any children from the environment is essential to ensure their safety and prevent them from witnessing distressing scenes.
2. Remove the Person from Their Current Environment
If it is safe to do so, help the individual move away from their current environment and any substances they might have access to. This step is vital in reducing the immediate temptation to use again and minimizing the risk of further harm. Find a calm and secure place where they can stabilize, such as a friend’s house or a family member’s home, where substances are not available.
3. Inform Counselors or Therapists of the Relapse
Notify any counselors, therapists, or healthcare professionals involved in the person’s treatment about the relapse. These professionals can provide guidance and adjust the treatment plan to better address the individual’s current needs. Keeping them informed ensures that the person receives the appropriate support and interventions, which may include intensified therapy, medication adjustments, or additional resources.
4. Communicate Your Concerns
Talk to the person who has relapsed with compassion and understanding. Express your concerns without judgment or blame, as this can help prevent feelings of shame or guilt, which can be counterproductive. Use “I” statements to communicate your feelings, such as “I am worried about your health and safety,” rather than accusatory “you” statements. This approach encourages open dialogue and shows that you care about their well-being.
5. Offer Necessary Help and Support
Offer practical help and emotional support to the person. This might include helping them find resources, such as support groups, medical appointments, or transportation to these services. Encourage them to seek professional assistance and reassure them that it’s okay to ask for help. Being present and supportive can provide a strong foundation for their renewed efforts towards recovery.
6. Reach Out to Your Support System
Supporting someone through a relapse can be exhausting and emotionally draining. It is crucial to reach out to your support system, whether that includes friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and feelings with others can provide you with the emotional support you need to stay strong. It also ensures that you are taking care of your own mental and emotional health, which is essential for effectively supporting your loved one.
Dealing with a relapse is challenging, but with the right steps, you can help your loved one return to the path of recovery. By assessing immediate health risks, removing them from harmful environments, keeping professionals informed, communicating compassionately, offering support, and maintaining your own support network, you create a supportive and proactive environment that can facilitate healing and long-term sobriety. Remember, relapse is a part of many recovery journeys, but it does not signify failure. With patience, understanding, and the right approach, you can help your loved one find their way back to a healthy and fulfilling life.
