Signs that a person will relapse after addiction treatment

When an individual is done with addiction treatment, and are free to live their lives as sober people, it doesn’t end there. Addiction is a lifelong journey that the person might be ready to go on for the rest of their life.

If they are sober, and they don’t keep up with the necessary preventative measures, they could relapse and become addicted again. There are several cases of people who were declared clean and sober, and they returned to their addiction lifestyle because they were not careful enough.

Free Woman Looking To Her Left Stock Photo

After leaving addiction treatment, you need to wake up each day and consciously decide to put addiction at bay. If you just recovered from addiction, or you know someone who did, here are some warning signs that the person may relapse.

Isolation

One of the signs that shows that an individual might relapse is when they are isolated from people. After addiction recovery, some of them may prefer to spend time alone because they are trying to readjust to the present reality.

However, they might linger in this isolation to the point where they may be tempted to return to their addiction. If they are not properly monitored by people close to them, it makes this possible.

Reminiscing about the old life

When someone who recovers from addiction begins to talk about how they miss their old life, then you can be sure that they are reconsidering going back to their addiction.

One of the reasons why they may be talking about it is because they are looking forward to a similar experience that will provide the same thrill that their addiction provided. If they don’t get any healthy activity to keep them engaged, they are likely to return to their addiction.

Hanging out with friends with negative connections

When you recover from addiction, it is best to form new connections, especially people who will encourage you to adopt positive habits.

However, when you discover that the individual has returned to their old gathering of friends, then it won’t be long before they are roped into addiction again.

The Risks of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a growing problem all over the world, but especially in the United States, due to the easy access of certain forms of drugs. Substance abuse is when a person regularly consumes illegal drugs, or legal drugs in a manner not prescribed by a doctor, or in doses greater than what is prescribed. This kind of abuse can be deadly and can lead to long-term health issues.

When someone abuses substances, the drug’s chemical effects on the brain alter the person’s thought patterns, emotions, and behavior. The brain and body of the abuser are unable to adjust to these changes, and can become heavily reliant on the substance. In addition, it can lead to physical and mental health problems and even death.

The short-term risks associated with substance abuse include increased risk of injury, accidents, and overdose. Accidents are more common when a person is using one or more illicit drugs, and they can be especially severe if the person is driving under the influence. Furthermore, individuals who abuse substances regularly have a higher risk of overdosing due to decreased tolerance for the drug and the greater risk of taking a larger dosage.

In the long-term, substance abuse can lead to some very serious conditions. When drugs are taken on a regular basis, the user will often develop tolerance, which means they will need larger amounts of the drug for it to produce the same effect. This can ultimately lead to addiction. Addiction results in a compulsive need and unsuccessful attempts to quit using.

Substance abuse can also cause permanent damage to the brain. This can range from memory problems, to difficulty controlling emotions, to difficulty staying focused. Additionally, long-term abuse of some drugs can cause problems with the respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.

Moreover, substance abuse often goes hand-in-hand with mental health issues. Many people who abuse substances suffer from a mental health disorder like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, and using substances can make these conditions worse. It can also increase the odds of developing other mental health issues, or even addiction to other substances.

Finally, substance abuse can cause significant disruptions to an individual’s social life, as it often leads to changes in behavior such as becoming hostile, neglecting responsibilities, and lying. Substance abuse break down relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners, and can even lead to homelessness or incarceration.

Substance abuse is a serious problem, and the risks go far beyond the short-term effects. Regular use of any kind of substance can be harmful and even deadly, and should never be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is abusing drugs or other substances, seek professional help right away.