Interpreting Relapse Rates for Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic disease. This definition puts it on par with asthma or heart disease. Therefore, setbacks are not unusual. Here’s what you need to know about relapse rates for drug addiction.

Rehab Makes a Significant Difference

Without rehab, it’s next to impossible to overcome addiction. Withdrawal symptoms typically keep people using. Most importantly, psychological dependence is sufficiently strong that it requires therapeutic interventions. Typical therapies include:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy that helps people identify their core values during stressful times
• Dialectical behavior therapy as a tool for overcoming self-destructive behaviors through distress tolerance development
• Motivational interviewing, which refers to the practice of helping you buy into the therapeutic interventions and take ownership
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing that empowers you to reprocess a traumatic event from the past
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses attention on dysfunctions you need to overcome with healthy coping skills

These are among the most effective modalities at extended care programs in South Jersey. Therapists work with clients to customize their therapeutic approaches. Doing so ensures that therapists meet clients at their points of need. Yet, even after undergoing these treatments, there’s still a chance of relapse.

Understanding Relapse Rates for Drug Addiction

As noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates for drug addiction are similar to other chronic illnesses. That said, society in general treats substance abuse relapse far differently than an asthma relapse. This reaction is due, in part, to the stigmatization of chemical dependency. Far too many people still believe that it’s something that happens to other people.

Similarly, they may believe that addiction has to do with moral weakness. They don’t realize that the chronic nature of addiction predisposes a person to relapse. Most importantly, many don’t understand the disease model of addiction. Even people who underwent rehab buy into the belief that relapse equals failure.

Relapse Doesn’t Equal Failure

Government officials estimate that drug addiction has a 40% to 60% relapse rate. This is actually less than asthma, which has a 50% to 70% relapse rate. Officials refer to it as a recurrence of symptoms. During a relapse, this may have to do with a return to the drug you quit.

Because many people feel shame, they won’t seek help right away. That’s the wrong approach. There’s no shame in relapsing. It merely means that there are some new coping skills you need.

A return to rehab is the right way of dealing with the situation. Relapse rates for drug addiction simply imply that there’s more room for personal growth. With the help of professionals, you get back on track. By the way, relapse can happen at any time.

There’s no cut-off date when you’re safe from relapsing. That said, the longer you remain active in recovery, the less likely you are to encounter adverse situations. In this instance, it’s fair to say that relapse after long-term sobriety becomes less likely. Find out more about preventing relapse rates for drug addiction by contacting Victory Bay at [Direct] now. Learn how our outpatient drug rehab programs in South Jersey can help you stay sober.