It’s not uncommon to see people going in and out of rehab following a relapse. Find out in this article the various reasons that contribute to this phenomenon.
Drug rehabilitation provides addiction treatment to people who are struggling with substance abuse or dependence disorders. It requires patients to participate in abstinence-based programs conducted in residential or outpatient settings.
Rehab programs are tailored based on the individual’s specific needs. To understand the nature of the patient’s addiction and the level of care that suits their situation, the counselors will have to assess them.
The usual programs often included in treatment plans are medical detoxification, counseling, treatment medication, 12-step facilitation therapy, and other holistic approaches.
Addiction can be managed successfully through evidence-based therapy, but there are instances when people fall off the wagon. Data show that about 40 to 60 percent of people with addiction could potentially return to drug use after attempting to stop.
This occurrence is also known as revolving door syndrome, where the individual may get better at first but end up falling into relapse after leaving the facility.
Experiencing relapse doesn’t mean that treatment was a failure. It is a normal part of the recovery process, which indicates that you need to resume treatment, modify it, or consider other options.
Why People Are Going In And Out Of Rehab
People with a substance abuse disorder may find it challenging to maintain sobriety. Some experience relapse, which can be very dangerous. When this happens, it’s crucial to go back into treatment immediately to avoid experiencing adverse side effects or overdose.
If you’re wondering what the causes of why people are going in and out of rehab, we have listed them below.
1. Reminders of Your Previous Addictive Behavior
The people you used to spend time with while engaging in an addictive behavior are possible triggers for relapse. Even family members could be a trigger, especially if they caused you trauma or made you feel defenseless in the past. Similarly, places that remind you of your addiction can drive you to go back to using drugs or alcohol.
Practicing mindfulness lets you focus on the present time. It helps you detach from painful memories and reduce stress effectively. Managing triggers without employing destructive coping mechanisms can prevent you from going in and out of rehab.
2. Stress
It is inevitable to feel stressed when facing a complex or demanding situation. It enables us to be more aware of our surroundings so we can respond quickly.
While others combat stress through hobbies and strong social support, some find relief in addictive activities, especially if that was the person’s primary coping mechanism in the past.
In addition to this, stress can affect your ability to be reflective. This makes you give in easily to impulses, prompting your relapse.
Minimizing exposure to life stressors and learning healthy coping skills can help in this case.
3. Poor Self-care
Neglecting your health and hygiene can make you feel demotivated and vulnerable to negative emotions. Not getting enough sleep can make you irritable and stressed, while a poor diet can affect your physiological and psychological health.
When negative moods resurface, individuals may think about drinking or using drugs again. To avoid this, you must engage in proper self-care behaviors, such as eating well, resting adequately, and meditating.
4. Parties
During birthdays or holidays, some people serve alcoholic drinks to guests. Since it’s a time for celebration, you may be tempted to get a drink.
Unfortunately, people who struggle with addiction usually have a false sense of control that they don’t know when to stop. You may feel relaxed and happy in the presence of alcohol, and that one drink could pave the way for your relapse.
5. Boredom and Isolation
Being alone and bored can make you fall into relapse in the early days of your recovery. Before getting sober, all your downtime was probably spent on binge drinking or using substances.
Once you’re out of rehab, you’ll find a lot of time on your hands. When left to your own devices, you may think about seeing your old friends and drinking with them again.
To avoid this trigger, find a trustworthy buddy to talk to whenever you feel like relapsing. You may also do other productive activities like organizing your place or working out.
Addressing Relapse: How to Prevent People From Going In and Out of Rehab
When there are temptations around, you need to boost your defenses. This way, you can keep yourself on the right path and maintain sobriety. Here are some tips that will allow you to improve all aspects of your health.
- Support Network – Be with people who are supportive of your abstinent lifestyle. Avoid going out with anyone who is actively using drugs or drinking alcohol. It may also be helpful if you participate in a 12-step support group and work together with a sponsor to increase the chances of recovery.
- Strengthen Ties With Family – Addiction negatively impacts your closest connections. Attending family therapy can teach critical communication skills, determine problematic family dynamics, and restore broken relationships.
Healthy family support can help you avoid returning to substance use and eventually keep you from repetitive addiction behaviors.
- Stress Management – You can manage stress by living a healthy and happy life. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, proper diet, meditation, writing a journal, starting a new hobby, and embracing spirituality can make your recovery meaningful. Fill your days with productive activities to take your mind off drugs.
- Volunteer Work – Research shows that serving others can significantly benefit people in recovery. It improves your mood, lessens anxiety and depression, boosts self-esteem, and gives you a new purpose in life.
By sharing your time and energy with others, you are making a vital contribution to your community. This increases your sense of self-worth and helps you resist the temptation to relapse.
Completing a treatment program is just one step toward rehabilitation and staying sober is another. People going in and out of rehab need to change their lifestyles to commit to addiction recovery. It takes self-care, healthy living, a relapse prevention plan, and a supportive environment to achieve long-term sobriety.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Another Chance can help you get back on track. Our programs can strengthen your coping mechanisms and support your healing process.
We are committed to delivering unparalleled care providing comfort and support to our patients. For inquiries, please don’t hesitate to call us at (971) 351-0914.
