View Full Version : When Is The Highest Risk of Relapse?
Once someone has gone through a program (either inpatient or otherwise) when is the time when they are faced with the highest risk of relapse? Is it immediately upon ending the program participation, or is it more likely to be a couple of years later when they "forget" any inspiration they may have gotten from the program?
artexeres
10-25-2007, 10:33 AM
Once someone has gone through a program (either inpatient or otherwise) when is the time when they are faced with the highest risk of relapse? Is it immediately upon ending the program participation, or is it more likely to be a couple of years later when they "forget" any inspiration they may have gotten from the program? I believe that the highest risk of relapse is when it seems even remotely acceptable, there is always a danger and awareness is preparedness, it is also determined by the sincerity to quit, i think that the word relapse is an excuse for failure, thank you.
mambios
10-25-2007, 08:40 PM
I guess that once the intial addiction has been beaten that the chance of an immediate relapse is at it's lowest.
I would suggest that there are many times when the chances replaspe would be high, such as meeting old friends who are\were users, old haunts, old memories.
You have to break not only the addiction but the triggers as well.
All relevant and valid answers. Thanks.
For this addict, regardless of how long I have clean, I really only have today. And my ability to stay clean each day is contingent upon my spiritual condition. I try to remember to treat each day as my first or only day clean.
attagirl
11-05-2007, 04:50 PM
So then this might be right after the treatment or can be years after is that what is being said. Being spiritually intact is something that will help a person to stay clean?
All relevant and valid answers. Thanks.
For this addict, regardless of how long I have clean, I really only have today. And my ability to stay clean each day is contingent upon my spiritual condition. I try to remember to treat each day as my first or only day clean.
That's a really good point.
I wonder if there will get to be a time when someone who is taking each, single, day on one-day-at-time type of thing will get to where there can be more certainty about not using again.
attagirl
11-08-2007, 03:43 PM
I think that the longer you are in the addiction the longer it will take to be at a place when it becomes second nature to not think about if you are doing the right thing, if you will say no. I know that when you take it a day at a time, then you are helping yourself to build in your mind that you will be better and can turn away from those old habits without having to think about it first.
jnjsarauer
11-10-2007, 02:54 AM
I think the risk for relapse is greatest when there is a lot of stress in a person's life. Stress can completely derail us to the point where we can't see beyond it. Any recovery program worth its salt will incorporate stress-management principles to help a person stay on track.
Working a full progam of recovery, which begins with honesty, open-mindedness and willingness, is what relieves the risk of relapse. There is always risk. But the obsession to use - that [I]need[I] in the pit of your stomach, is relieved by thoroughly working the steps and living inside the spiritual principles of your program. So while using may always be an option, it becomes less and less viable as an option.
Working a full progam of recovery, which begins with honesty, open-mindedness and willingness, is what relieves the risk of relapse. There is always risk. But the obsession to use - that NEED in the pit of your stomach, is relieved by thoroughly working the steps and living inside the spiritual principles of your program. So while using may always be an option, it becomes less and less viable as an option.
almostlost
01-12-2008, 03:18 AM
Take it from someone fresh out of Rehab, the doctors and counselors tend to be overly concerned about addicts relapsing within the first 90 days of sobriety. After those first 90 days they insist that you keep your stress levels low and remember to change people, places, and things. Personally I think that temptation is constantly looking over my shoulder so you always run the risk of relapse when you aren't working your program the way you should.
larrylive
01-28-2008, 06:36 PM
personally I see it as a return to the former patterns of behavior, I have had periods of sobriety/clean time and no matter my location or social contacts, not to mention I never kept paraphenalia in my house, I have returned to the behavior. I believe addiction is a learned thing, with it's cues and triggers and people do very little to unlearn these responces.
If you are worried about relapsing get rid of your access to money, get a payee or a trusted friend to hold it. Good luck to all.
Larrylive
lost cause69
02-21-2008, 12:34 PM
If you're clean and you use just once or twice,that's not a relapse,it's a lapse.
A relapse is when you go back completely to the stranglehold of addiction.
It's all about choice,once you're clean you have the power of choice.
I personally would say it would be a period or point of either very high stress,or depression,something like that.
larrylive
12-24-2009, 04:06 PM
That's wack,
Nobody in this thread last more than a couple weeks here(except attagirl,
6 mos.) And of course me and I am by far no where near sober/clean/recovered... so don't take any of those suggestions, we can't possibly know what were talking about.
But do have a Very Merry Christmas
Larrylive