Returning to sobriety is a major achievement for men and women once considered “addicts.” But the celebration can end quickly if you stop doing the work necessary to remain abstinent. Many drug and alcohol rehabs have re-admitted individuals who completed treatment only to return to casual substance use. The reason this happens is tied to how addiction affects the brain and difficulties managing substance use triggers.
Learn more about an aftercare program. Call us today at 866.957.7885.
Who Are Addicts?
The term “addict” is a term generally used to describe someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) related to drugs or alcohol. To prevent a stigma, a preferred description is “someone with a substance use disorder.” SUD, or addiction, is a chronic and relapsing mental disorder that can affect anyone. In 2019 alone, 20.4 million people in the US aged 12 or older had a SUD.
How Casual Drinking or Drug Use Affects Sobriety
You may tell yourself after leaving rehab that you are mentally strong enough to drink or use drugs socially without getting addicted. But a relapse is exactly what can happen from one drink or one smoke. No one plans to get addicted to alcohol, heroin, cocaine, or prescription drugs. It is a process that begins with initial use, occasional use, frequent use (abuse), then compulsive and uncontrollable use. This can happen to anyone, including those in recovery practicing sober living.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 40 to 60 percent of people treated will relapse. It does not mean treatment failed. The disease by its nature has a high risk of relapse. It requires staying in treatment for as long as necessary, entering an aftercare program, and a lifelong commitment to managing substance use triggers such as cravings.
Factors Affecting Sobriety After Rehab
Addicts and sobriety may seem like an obvious oxymoron, considering the irreversible brain changes and changes in cognition caused by long-term substance use. But there are millions of people who beat addiction. Notwithstanding, many factors can cause or trigger casual drinking or drug use including:
- Environments surrounded by alcohol or drugs
- Personal belief system, thoughts, and emotions
- Pressure from peers or a need for social acceptance
- Co-occurring mental health disorders (e.g., depression or anxiety)
- Stressors such as workplace pressure, relationship conflicts, or income loss
- Biological factors including a family history of addiction
Our Drug and Alcohol Addiction Center in Texas Can Help Restore Sobriety
Substance abuse can become a rinse-and-repeat cycle if you do not control the urge to get “high.” There is help if you or a family remember is experiencing a relapse. San Antonio Recovery Center offers several drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs and therapies. The programs provide comprehensive rehabilitation and a continuum of care starting with the detox program all the way to aftercare. We can help whether you’re a first-time or returning client. Here is a quick glance at what we offer:
Residential Program
A residential program for addiction is a long-term, inpatient treatment program that provides 24-hour care and supervision. It is designed to help people who are struggling with addiction to overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol.
Intensive Outpatient Program
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) for addiction is a form of treatment that allows patients to live at home and continue working or going to school while receiving structured counseling and therapy sessions several times per week. IOPs provide a step-down level of care from inpatient treatment or a higher level of care than traditional outpatient programs.
12-Step Program
A 12-step program is a set of guidelines that provide a framework for understanding and overcoming addiction. The 12 steps emphasize personal responsibility, honesty, and self-examination. They are designed to help individuals achieve sobriety, maintain recovery, and build a better life.
Women’s Sober Living Program
A sober living program is a supportive living environment for women who are recovering from addiction. The program provides a safe and structured setting where women can focus on their recovery while receiving support from staff and other residents. Sober living programs typically include daily check-ins, house meetings, curfew, and regular drug testing.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change their patterns of thinking and behaving. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. By changing our thoughts and behaviors, we can feel better.
Holistic therapy
Holistic therapy is an approach to addiction treatment that focuses on the whole person, rather than just the addiction itself. It takes into account all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Lessen the Risk of Relapse
Our certified doctors and therapists will tailor your treatment plan to address your needs based on the findings of an extensive evaluation. In addition to behavioral therapies, we will focus heavily on setting up a robust relapse prevention to lower the risk of casual drinking or drug use following treatment.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings, Narcotics Anonymous Meetings, and the sober living program are all aftercare programs designed to promote lifelong abstinence. Our hope is that with the continued support of your family, loved ones, recovering peers, doctor, and therapist, you will rebuild the addiction-free life you deserve.
The risk of relapse is always present. With extensive therapeutic treatments and continuous aftercare, we provide a way for you or your loved one to cope without substance use. Call our addiction treatment center in San Antonio, TX at 866.957.7885, or contact us online for information on admissions or readmission.
