Why People Relapse After Long Periods of Abstinence
Why People Relapse After Long Periods of Abstinence
Drug relapses are extremely common. In fact, it is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of people who have received treatment for addiction will suffer a relapse at some point. There are several things that can trigger a relapse. Below is a list of some of the reasons why people relapse after being sober for a long time.
Common Reasons for Relapse
Negative Emotions
Frustration, anger, and anxiety are examples of negative emotions. It is entirely reasonable to feel this way from time to time. However, many people are unable to cope with negative emotions. That is why many of them turn to drugs or alcohol.
Old Friends or Places
People who are recovering from addiction are encouraged to change their environment. They are also encouraged to avoid hanging out with individuals who use drugs or alcohol. Going to the same places and hanging around the same people can be part of the reason why people relapse.
Neglecting One’s Physical Health
People are also encouraged to take good care of their physical health while they are recovering from addiction. One of the ways that people can take good care of their health is by making sure they get plenty of sleep. Being physically and mentally exhausted are two popular reasons why people relapse.
It is also important for people to eat properly. Studies have shown that individuals who do not eat properly are more prone to suffering a relapse. Additionally, exercising is beneficial to someone who is recovering from addiction. Exercise helps people cope with negative emotions. It also helps boost mood.
In fact, researchers have found that exercising for just 30 minutes per day, three times per week can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Many people end up relapsing because they are depressed.
Why People Relapse: Living a Stressful Life
It is impossible to live an entirely stress-free life. However, it is not healthy to be stressed out all of the time. Stress is one of the top causes of relapse. Many people turn to their addicting substance to help themselves feel better. They hope that using the substance will help them forget about all of the stress they are feeling.
One may temporarily forget about the stressful situations while using drugs or alcohol, but he or she will still have to deal with them. That is why it is vital for people to find healthy ways to manage their stress.
Why Choose Inpatient Rehab if You Relapse?
Staying sober is not easy, so there is no need for anyone to feel bad about relapsing. However, people who relapse should consider inpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab helps people overcome the challenges that lead to the cause of why people relapse.
