Tag Archives: Drug Relapse

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The Role of Life Satisfaction in Preventing Relapse in West Virginia

Feeling good and satisfied with your life can help people who have struggled with the disease of addiction stay on a healthier path without falling back into old habits. We’ll explore why being happy and content with where you are in life can make such a big difference in staying away from substances that harm you. This is a key subject for many families and communities across West Virginia, and understanding the role of life satisfaction in preventing relapse in West Virginia can help us support each other in building stronger, healthier futures. Continue reading →

A worried man

The Three Stages of Relapse

Embarking on the path to recovery from addiction is a courageous step, but it’s essential to acknowledge that the road is not always linear. We must explore a critical aspect of this journey – relapse. Our aim is to shed light on the signs and symptoms associated with the three stages of relapse, providing valuable insights to help individuals and their loved ones recognize and address them. Continue reading →

A woman standing on a sunflower field to get back on track after relapse in New Lexington

How to Get Back on Track After Relapse in New Lexington

During recovery, setbacks can be disheartening. They make us feel lost and question our progress and resilience. If you are trying to get back on track after a relapse in New Lexington, know that you are not alone. Recovery is a winding road; sometimes, unexpected turns can lead us off course. It’s crucial to approach these moments with compassion for yourself. You must understand that recovery is a continual process. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center will explore the steps to take after a relapse. Continue reading →

A person walking in the park

Healthy Coping Mechanisms During Addiction Recovery in Fairmont WV

Healthy coping mechanisms allow you to face adversity with clarity and fortitude. They promote adaptive responses to stressors. With healthy coping habits, from mindfulness techniques to seeking professional help at a reputable West Virginia treatment center, you enhance your ability to handle uncertainties and create a foundation for a more balanced and fulfilling life. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center will explore healthy coping mechanisms during addiction recovery in Fairmont WV. They can contribute to long-term mental and physical health. Continue reading →

A clock on the wall representing How Long Does Drug Rehab in Charleston WV Take?

How Long Does Drug Rehab in Charleston WV Take?

The duration of addiction recovery is a critical factor that significantly influences its effectiveness. It plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal sobriety by allowing you adequate time to heal naturally or respond to therapeutic interventions. This is particularly essential in restoring healthy behaviors and lifestyles, as you need sufficient duration to develop coping mechanisms, address underlying issues, and rebuild your life gradually. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center answers the common question: “How long does drug rehab in Charleston WV take?” We will explore why the duration of rehabs in WV matters and the factors that influence it. Continue reading →

Reasons People Stop Going To Treatment and Rehab

One of the most predictive factors of someone building a successful recovery is their length of time in treatment.  Because addiction is fundamentally about compulsive behavior, people need time to break the cycle.  We are helping the brain gradually change and settle down such that the person feels more empowered in their life. It can be devastating for a family who hears of a loved one who has decided to leave treatment early before it’s complete. When a person is leaving treatment early, they make a mistake that can cost them their future. That’s a hard statement to make, especially for those who want to remain sober. Yet, it takes time and a lot of work to make sure that sobriety is possible.

However, leaving treatment is preventable. But it takes effort from all around.These are some of the most common explanations of why people leave addiction treatment early.

 

Top Reasons People Leave Treatment Early

 

“Detox is too difficult.”

One of the most common reasons why people leave drug treatment is the drug and alcohol detoxification process. The first couple of weeks of treatment can be uncomfortable and even unbearable because of the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, the length of time the drug was used and the quantity of the drug consumed, the withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable both physically and mentally.

Many drug treatment facilities provide excellent detoxification programs in which licensed and training medical staff provide around the clock supervision.  The goal of detox is to minimize the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, we offer medication-assisted treatment to our patients with opioid addiction. It gives them an alternative form of therapy aside from the typical abstinence-based treatment.

Whether it’s through naltrexone or buprenorphine, our team of professionals at Harmony Ridge Recovery is here to assist. They know that medications are sometimes a necessary component of the treatment process. In order to not leave treatment early, we offer a way to track how much medication we’re giving you, as well as how long we believe you’ll need it.

The fact is those early in recovery aren’t alone in the management of your withdrawal, you have the support of medical and counseling staff who are encouraging and empathetic to the situation.  Many counselors who work in drug treatment are in recovery themselves so they can identify and relate to the struggles of detoxification.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat substance abuse. MAT is normally used to treat opioid use disorders but has helped other types in the past. Sometimes other effects from these medications can hinder the recovery process, but they help more often than not. This therapy can be combined with others, like behavioral and group therapies, in order to achieve desired results of sobriety. We understand that ceasing drug use without the help of medication is sometimes not the best option for our patients. In our medication-assisted treatment here at Harmony Ridge, our staff is available 24/7 to manage the different prescribed medications and help you to not leave treatment early.

Leave Treatment Early Because of Unrealistic Expectations

Some people might go into treatment thinking it’s going to be easy and amazing right from the start. And you can’t really blame them. Addiction takes over a person’s ability to think rationally. And, on top of that, a lot of addicts haven’t been to treatment before. They don’t realize the work that goes into it. So, when they’re forced to confront their emotions and develop tools to live a functional life – rather than simply being medicated until the drugs leave their system – some may choose to leave.

Recovery is worth it and sometimes some of the methods and activities will really resonate with you. But it’s unrealistic to think that everything is going to be easy and amazing. Instead, you should acknowledge that the real reason you’re there is to work through your addiction and take that first step into recovery. That implies effort. Keep an open mind throughout your treatment process. And if something doesn’t go as you expected, don’t make any rash decisions. Instead, take a moment to ask yourself if the treatment program is actually bad or if your expectation was just unrealistic.

“I Already Know All Of This – I Don’t Need Rehab.”

With any addiction recovery program, there will be certain themes that can be repeated. Repetition is important because as humans, that’s how we learn. Because of this repetition, individuals who complete only a few weeks of rehab may become overconfident. While confidence is key in recovery, overconfidence can be potentially damaging. Despite not having the full skill set that they need in order to maintain long-term sobriety, a person may become convinced that he or she is completely healed or “cured.” However, without all of the skills developed and fully in place, they won’t be ready to work through the triggers.

Response: Research indicates that the longer an addicted person remains in treatment, the better their chances of maintaining their recovery.  To leave treatment early means the person thinks they have learned everything they need to know. If a loved one indicates that they already know everything about treatment – it can be a signal of progress, or it can be a signal that more treatment – at different levels –  is necessary. For example, stepping down from inpatient to outpatient or a transitional living home environment.

Dangers to Leave Treatment Early

There may be a small minority of people who check out of rehab early and do manage to stay sober, but in the vast majority of cases it leads to negative consequences. The dangers of an early exit from this facility include

* The individual will not be prepared for the transition back home so they will likely be overwhelmed by familiar temptations.

* If the person feels like they have had a bad experience they will likely use this as a justification for a return to alcohol and drugs.

* Those who flee treatment while overly emotional (e.g. angry) will not be able to think rationally and so are likely to make bad choices.

* Nobody knows how many chances the individual will get at recovery – some people only seem to get one shot because they never summon up the determination to quit again. This means that by leaving rehab the individual might be blowing their only chance of a good life.

* The individual can use this bad experience as an excuse to never consider rehab again.

* Family and friends are likely to be disappointed by this failure to stay the course of rehab. It may even mean that they struggle to ever trust that person again.

* If the individual leaves rehab and then relapses it can lower their self efficacy – their belief in their own ability to escape addiction. This means that it will be harder for them to quit next time.

Can You Check Yourself Out of Rehab?

If you’re currently enrolled in a rehab program and are considering leaving, talk to your therapists and counselors about how you feel. They’ve been through this before with other patients and can address any concerns you’re having about your recovery, treatment, or progress. You might also want to discuss your concerns in group therapy, because others may feel the same, and you might be able to strengthen each other’s resolve.

Leaving drug rehab early or AMA is a form of self-sabotage – a behavior that is common for those in active addiction. If your loved one decides to leave treatment early, it will be a difficult time for you – however, it should not be the end of the family’s effort and support in getting a loved one well. With the support of family and a strong team of professionals, keeping a loved one active and engaged in their treatment and recovery process is possible.

Lastly, if you really want to leave–you can, but just wait it out for 24 hours and see how you feel. Take recovery day by day, and every morning commit yourself to stay another day. Before you know it, you’ll be on the road to recovery.

Considering to Leave Treatment Early? Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is here to help

If you have left treatment early, know that your recovery efforts don’t have to die in vain. There is still hope for a successful recovery. While it’s dangerous to relapse after treatment for the risk of overdose-related death, it’s also dangerous to never get help with treatment ever again. Many people who relapse end up obtaining a lasting recovery on their second or even third time in treatment. So, don’t give up!

doctor using Virtual Reality in addiction treatment

The Role of Virtual Reality in Addiction Treatment

Traditionally, addiction treatment has relied on talk therapy, medication, and support groups. However, with the advancement of technology, new treatment methods are being developed to help patients overcome addiction. One such method is the use of virtual reality (VR). It’s safe to say that the application of virtual reality in addiction treatment is about to revolutionize drug and alcohol rehab in West Virginia due to promising results. Continue reading →

Preventing A Drug Relapse

Preventing a Drug Relapse

As those in recovery know, a relapse is never out of the realm of possibility–no matter how long you’ve been sober. An alcohol or drug relapse is the recurrence of symptoms of the disease after a period of short or long-term recovery. Like any chronic disease, drug & alcohol addiction are subject to periods of remission and relapse. When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, many consider a lack of total abstinence from drugs and/or alcohol to be a relapse. During the recovery process, individuals may be exposed to certain triggers and other risk factors that increase the risk of returning to active addiction to drugs and/or alcohol.

Why do People Relapse on Drugs

Recovery is never an easy journey. Finding sobriety takes time and it’s never a straightforward process. There are many obstacles and factors to consider. Relapsing on drugs, while disheartening, can be one of the many obstacles you’ll face.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates while in recovery are 40 to 60%.

Discovering that sobriety, once achieved, may not last forever may feel like the ultimate letdown and another reason to continue using. However, if you’re aiming for long-term sobriety, these setbacks are sometimes necessary to help you break free from continuous use. After all, addiction didn’t occur overnight and, thus, getting sober will not happen immediately.

Withdrawal

Many individuals relapse within the first week of stopping their substance use in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms, or thereafter due to post-acute withdrawal symptoms which can last for up to 6 to 18 months.  Individuals with an alcohol or drug addiction will experience varying degrees of withdrawal symptoms when they stop using their substance of choice.  Depending on the type of substance used, the quantity of use, the frequency of use, the duration of use, and other factors, withdrawal symptoms will be different on a case-by-case basis. 

Mental Health

Alcoholism and drug addiction are a problem in and of itself, but there is also a problem underlying substance dependence.  Without addressing the underlying issues and simply stopping substance use, it is like putting a band-aid on a severed limb.  Oftentimes there are unaddressed or hidden mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, mania, personality disorders, or post-traumatic stress. 

People

Individuals with an alcohol or drug addiction often surround themselves with like-minded individuals who also enjoy drinking or drugging.  Being around the same people who are engaging in substance use while you are in recovery can trigger a relapse.  Part of the recovery process is setting healthy boundaries with friends, family or colleagues who do not respect your sobriety enough to stay sober while they are around you

Boredom and Isolation

Boredom and isolation could easily be listed as the number one reason for relapse by many individuals in early recovery.  Any and all downtime prior to recovery was usually used getting their substance, using their substance, and recovering from their substance.  As such, individuals new to sobriety often find lots of time on their hands.

Preventing a Drug Relapse 

Make a Plan with a Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Program

It isn’t easy to stop the cycle of addiction on your own. You aren’t alone if you’ve had a hard time trying to quit using by yourself. Addiction treatment is a great place to start when you’re looking to get clean. It places you in an environment where you can focus all your energy on laying the groundwork to prevent relapse and live a life of long-term recovery.

There are many different options for addiction treatment programs available depending on your needs. From detox to inpatient facilities to outpatient programs, there is a program for you. The combination of individual and group therapy, educational classes, and experiential therapy options help you learn to live free from drugs.

Determine Any Signs That Could Lead to Drug Relapse

Try to brainstorm a list of scenarios that could lead to potential relapse and list the warning signs of relapse. Some people begin to feel, think or behave differently when a relapse is brewing. Creating a list of warning signs can give a person more insight into their relapse. Sharing the list with the treatment team can provide them with needed information to prevent relapse in the patient.

Be aware of how you’re feeling, emotionally and physically.

Feeling anxious, depressed, or angry is a normal part of life, but strong emotions like these can sometimes be detrimental to an addict in recovery. If you’re newly sober, it’s very important to be aware of your emotions and find healthy ways to cope with them, such as going for a walk with your dog, spending time with your sober living roommates, or talking to your counselor. Although you’ll have good days and bad days, maintaining a sense of self-awareness can help you tackle personal problems and issues before they morph into a full relapse.

Grounding Techniques

Stress and anxiety are often the biggest obstacles when it comes to recovery. A helpful relapse prevention technique is a grounding technique called the 5-4-3-2-1 coping technique. It takes you through the five senses to focus on the moment and avoid thoughts of using alcohol or other drugs, anxiety, negative self-talk, and any other unhealthy thought or feeling that may lead someone to want to use to escape.

The 5 steps begin by taking a few deep breaths, followed by the following:

5: Acknowledge five things you see around you.

4: Acknowledge four things you can touch around you.

3: Acknowledge three things you can hear around you.

2: Acknowledge two things you can smell around you.

1: Acknowledge one thing you can taste around you.

HALT

HALT is an acronym for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. Whenever feeling a craving to use, or in general feeling anxious or “off,” ask yourself if you are feeling any of these symptoms. The most common triggers for many recovering alcoholics and addicts are hunger, anger, loneliness, and feeling tired. By doing a regular inventory of HALT, one can help prevent the risk of relapse.

Consider Educating Yourself

Education not only challenges you and allows you to learn new things, it can also advance your career and financial situation. You may also consider advancement within the recovery industry.

Affirm your feelings and activities with a journal

It will keep you accountable and provide you with a place to write about your struggles. In today’s day and age, your relapse prevention journal can just as easily be a private blog.

Be Reasonable with Goals

Recovery is a journey, so be reasonable with the expectations you set for yourself.  Achieve your goals incrementally – 5 days sober, 10 days sober, etc. Breaking it into smaller bites makes it easier to achieve success and ultimately those small successes will lead to a successful recovery!

Preventing a Drug Relapse – Warning Signs to Look For

The warning signs of a relapse can often occur over a prolonged period of time and involve a process with many warning signs. Many people consider any return to drugs and/or alcohol relapse. While substance use is the final step in a relapse, it is not the only thing to look for. In addition to substance use, signs of an active or impending relapse from drugs or alcohol can involve:

  • Compulsive or Risky Behavior
  • Destructive Thoughts
  • Neglecting Coping Skills
  • Refusal to Engage in or Withdrawal from Healthy Habits
  • Return to Unhealthy Behaviors and Environments (People, Places & Things)
  • Dishonesty or Deception
  • Mood Swings
  • Romanticizing Drug or Alcohol Use
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Isolation/Withdrawal from Social or Group Activities

Recognizing and addressing the warning signs before a relapse happens is the most effective way to prevent one from occurring. One warning sign of relapse is when individuals in recovery begin to romanticize drug use or relive the days of their drinking and using, looking back on them in a favorable light. A person in recovery may begin to think that they can use again successfully or without falling back into full-blown addiction and associated behaviors. If an individual begins to talk about his or her ability to use successfully again, it is often a sign that relapse is looming.

Join a Support Group

Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery can provide information and resources as well as social support to help the individual stay in touch with the principles learned during rehab. By joining a group like this, the individual not only gets access to these resources but also has a source of accountability to stay clean and sober.

At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, we believe everyone deserves a life free from the restrictions of drug and alcohol addiction. Has your addiction left you feeling helpless with no way out? Has your loved one’s addiction made them unrecognizable? We understand what you are experiencing and are here to help! Addiction not only negatively impacts the life of the user, it also wreaks havoc upon the lives of their family and friends. Things may feel hopeless at the moment, but there is a way out. Recovering from alcohol or drug addiction is feasible. With dedication, the right support system, and choosing an accredited drug and alcohol treatment program, countless individuals have achieved and maintained sobriety. Researching the right drug and alcohol treatment facility is the first step towards recovery.

The first step towards achieving recovery is giving us a call. Our team of admissions professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Give us a call today! (855) 942-3922