There are many people who are addicted to drugs and many other things. These people after getting the rehab treatment and all the necessary rehab programs lead a life of sobriety. But it often happens that at some times or other the sobriety comes to relapse position. The person again starts taking the things he was addicted to. According to the definition a relapse is the act of taking the first drug or drink after a period of sobriety. Even if only one drink or one dose of a drug is taken, the addict is still considered to have resumed the behavior of "using." Hence relapse prevention is very important. The most important to maintain the success of sobriety is the relapse prevention.
The relapse position starts before the first drug , drink, or eating begins. It occurs with reoccurrence of thought that used to come in mind at the time of using it. The urge or need to abuse substances again will become stronger until the addict finally gives in to temptation
The main cause for replase is the occurrence of some major incident in the life. Regular accessibility to such substances may also lead to the relapse situation. Even the life full of stress is the reason for relapse. Relapse prevention is one of the basic goal of Anonymous and similar programs in order to help the addict to lead a life of sobriety. Preventing relapse protects the addict from causing further harm or re-igniting her addiction.
A relapse situation can cause a loss of self-confidence, feelings of guilt and depression. It can lead to beginning of drug binge which can lead to health and legal problems and even death due to overdose.
Hence the best way to prevent relapse situation is to take the cure as soon as the warning signs occur. And accordingly plan the action. It involves checking into an inpatient treatment facility, checking with your sponsor or seeking counsel from a drug -treatment professional. Don’t feel guilty or give up your life by loosing your confidence. But spend time to find out the reason for the occurrence of the relapse.
Though it the undesirable outcome but it is usually considered as a part of recovery process. It often occurs during the recovery process. Hence don’t let the replase to ruin your commitment to sobriety and become a cause of deprecation.