Relapse. When you hear that word, what do you think? Failure, giving up, no way out? Most would agree that this word has a negative meaning, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It can mean an opportunity for a chance to make things right. A way to realize what is most important to you. Understanding why you relapsed is the first step you should take, and from there, you can learn how to continue on with the life you wish for.
What is Relapse?
When you are wanting to rid your addiction, you do everything in your power to achieve that goal. Sometimes, though, there are setbacks that interfere with that goal leading you to go back to bad habits. These setbacks could be triggers like a social setting or a fight with a family member or friend. It could also be in part due to chemical changes in your brain from the continued use of drugs. When you take drugs, “…the brain’s reward circuit [is flooded] with the chemical messenger dopamine. This overstimulation of the reward circuit causes the intensely pleasurable “high” that leads people to take a drug again and again.”1 The cravings become so unmanageable that you feel you have to give in to what your body is wanting. For most, this seems like the end of the road and that they cannot live their life without being dependent on drugs.
Is There A Way Out?
There is no cure for addiction, and unfortunately relapse can happen at any point in a person’s life. There are different types of treatment out there that can help you be independent of drugs, though. One form of treatment that has a low risk of relapse is buprenorphine. It can be used short or long-term and diminishes the physical dependency on opioids. Like anything, every person is different so it is important to choose a treatment that works best for you. Choose a treatment that will work for life, not for a quick fix. If you feel like buprenorphine treatment is right for you, AppleGate Recovery is here to help. If you live in the Dallas metroplex, there is an office in Plano that will help you get started. From the intake process to finding the right dosage, our dedicated staff and counselors will be there every step of the way. We know that along with treatment, a support system is needed and that is why we make it our mission to help you live the life you wish for, free from opioids.
Understanding Drug Use and Addiction. (2016, August). Retrieved May 18, 2017, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction