The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) classifies addiction as a medical condition, because substance abuse literally becomes a relapsing brain disease. Brain scans show visible differences in the brain structure and function of a person actively abusing drugs and of a person in good health–or one who has abstained from drugs for a long period of recovery. The differences are as remarkable as the contrast between a healthy heart and a diseased heart.
Source: Nora Volkow
For this reason, it’s important to put the prevalence of addiction relapse in its proper perspective. Addiction is a disease which–much like diabetes and hypertension–is managed, rather than cured. Though managing the illness may become easier with time, it is common to struggle initially. According to NIDA, 40-60% of those in recovery will relapse, which is actually quite similar to the relapse rates of other chronic medical conditions. Approximately 30-50% of those with type one diabetes will relapse, as will 50-70% of individuals with hypertension.
All of these illnesses involve deeply ingrained habits and behaviors, along with physiological factors, which are difficult to change. It’s important that both those in recovery from substance abuse and their loved ones understand that relapse is not failure, but a temporary setback and opportunity to reevaluate the need for further treatment or modified behaviors. It may indicate that more treatment is necessary or that alternate treatments are necessary.
Substance abuse centers like Mt. Regis teach methods for effectively changing behavior, and it’s imperative that what is taught gets put into action. If you or a loved one has relapsed, consider what habits or behaviors worked initially to maintain sobriety. Maybe you have returned to old patterns of behavior. Or, perhaps, you’ve started going back to places that are not conducive to a recovering lifestyle. These are signs it’s time to reevaluate, readjust, or call a treatment center for help.
Mt. Regis Center is a substance abuse treatment center in Salem, Virginia, dedicated to providing you or your loved one with high quality medical treatment needed for recovery. Please call 877-217-3447 to speak with a member of our staff. Or fill out this help form, and we will contact you right away.
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