Preventing Relapse

Drug addiction is a complex but treatable brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use that persists even in the face of severe adverse consequences. For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence. In fact, relapse to drug abuse occurs at rates similar to those for other well-characterized, chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. As a chronic, recurring illness, addiction may require repeated treatments to increase the intervals between relapses and diminish their intensity, until abstinence is achieved. Through treatment tailored to individual needs, people with drug addiction can recover and lead productive lives.

The addict has a chronic, pervasive, progressive disease. In early recovery he/she CANNOT behave in the same way that other members of society do. In other words, the addict must identify and avoid those triggers that would lead to relapse. Although different people respond to different approaches, the research is clear on which approaches have the best success rates. The standard recommendations include:

1.    Recovery must be the number one priority in the recovering addict’s life.

2.    90 meetings in 90 days. The addict must substitute recovery for drug use and drug-seeking. Once addicted, the mere anticipation of getting high will trigger a marked dopamine response in the addict and/or alcoholic. Likewise early recovery from addictions is often hampered by the lack of dopamine d2 receptors that take many months to return to baseline functioning. The lack of sufficient d2 receptors is a primary reason that many drug addicts and alcoholics fail at abstinence during the first 90 days of their recovery.

Following the first three months of sobriety, the addict should attend no fewer than 3 meetings per week. After the first two years, the recovering addict can reduce this amount to one meeting per week if everything else is going well.

3.    Sponsorship. Daily calls and weekly meetings with a caring recovering addict are vital. Checking in with a caring person improves accountability.

4.    Step work. Homework assignments must be done and given to the sponsor on a weekly basis.

5.    Total and complete abstinence from ALL mind-altering drugs. This includes alcohol, even though it’s legal.

6.    A detailed and careful history to determine which triggers lead to relapse.

7.    Change of “playground, playmates and playthings.” The addict must avoid using friends, as well as places and activities that re-activate cravings.

8.    Abstinence from other addictions—cigarettes, pornography, etc.

9.    Relationships must be put on hold until the addict is on a firm footing with his or her sobriety. Although friendships are important, new relationships with the opposite sex should be avoided during the first two years of recovery.

10.    Study of inspirational literature. The people who have the greatest success rates are those who find a Higher Power and are able to “let go and let God.”

As I mentioned earlier, different people respond to different approaches. The above list has been standard for many years with minor variations for different people. With further research, even more variations are possible.  Those of us in the recovery field always hope for more research that can help the addict that still suffers.

Related Articles:

• Does Relapse Mean Treatment Failure?
• Addiction–The Hijacked Brain
• 10 Examples of Clear Boundaries
• Help Your Child by Overcoming Your Shame
• The Key to Dealing with My Son’s Drug Addiction–Setting Boundaries for Myself
• The High Costs of Drug Abuse