Addiction recovery is a challenging process. Even after successfully completing addiction treatment, many addicts end up relapsing. Relapse refers to a return to drug or alcohol use after a period of abstinence.
According to research, relapse rates for addiction range from 40% to 60%. This means almost half of recovering addicts will end up using again at some point. Understanding why relapse occurs can help recovering addicts recognize warning signs and get back on track before fully relapsing. Here are some of the most common reasons addicts relapse after treatment.
Lack of Follow-Up Care
One of the biggest reasons for relapse is not seeking follow-up care after finishing addiction treatment. Follow-up care provides ongoing support and accountability. It helps addicts strengthen the recovery skills and habits formed in treatment. Common forms of follow-up care include 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, outpatient counseling, recovery coaching, and sober living homes. Without ongoing support and structure, many recovering addicts struggle to maintain sobriety. They end up falling back into old habits that lead to relapse.
Triggers and Cravings
Recovering addicts often relapse when faced with triggers or cravings. Triggers are people, places, things or situations associated with past drug or alcohol use. Being around old friends or in familiar drinking locations can trigger intense cravings. Stress, anxiety, depression and other uncomfortable emotions can also trigger cravings. Recovering addicts who don’t have healthy coping skills will often turn to substances when experiencing cravings or negative emotions. Learning to manage triggers, control cravings, and cope in healthy ways reduces the risk of relapse.
Complacency in Recovery
Becoming complacent and “taking recovery for granted” is another relapse trap. The longer someone is sober, the easier it is to let recovery habits slide. Meeting attendance might drop off or meditation and journaling stop altogether. Complacency leads to forgetting why recovery is so important. Overconfidence can also cause addicts to face high-risk situations that trigger relapse. Consistently working a program of recovery is essential for maintaining sobriety long-term.
Untreated Co-Occurring Disorders
Many addicts also struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders like depression, anxiety or PTSD. These underlying issues often fuel addiction in the first place. When left untreated after rehab, mental health disorders increase the odds of relapse. Addicts self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms like extreme sadness, worry or traumatic memories. Integrated treatment in a 60 Day Drug Rehab program for both addiction and co-occurring disorders provides the tools to manage mental health and maintain long-term recovery.
Lack of a Support System
Having positive social support is hugely important in recovery. But some addicts lack a network of sober, supportive friends and family after treatment. Isolation and loneliness often lead addicts back to substance abuse. Making connections through support groups, activities, work and other social outlets helps create a sober community. This provides the healthy relationships and accountability needed to stay on track.
Relapsing after addiction treatment is common. Being aware of these common triggers helps recovering addicts prepare for challenges in sobriety. Seeking ongoing care, managing cravings, staying engaged in recovery and treating co-occurring disorders all help prevent going back to substance abuse after rehab. Maintaining positive social support also reduces isolation and the pull to relapse. Addressing all these factors is key for avoiding relapse and achieving lasting sobriety