What Are the Stages of Substance Addiction and Relapse?

Addiction is a physical and mental strain on the body and mind. The potential for relapse remains constant throughout the life of a person with a substance use disorder (SUD). Relapse isn't only falling back into using alcohol or drugs but also going back to old behaviors. Before you drink or use a drug, you experience stages of relapse. These stages don't occur all at once. Instead, the stages are gradual and linked with different events in your life.

How Do I Know if I Am Relapsing?

Relapse is when you start drinking alcohol or using a substance again. Before you blame yourself for a relapse, remember regression is gradual. Your relapse began a long-time ago, maybe weeks or months ago. Spotting a trigger when you start to fall back into past behaviors isn't always easy. At some point, you lose focus on what you learned while you were in treatment. You can work with a therapist or attend substance abuse support meetings. Both support systems can guide you to understand the three stages of relapse.

What Are the Stages of Relapse?

Emotional Relapse

When you are in an emotional relapse, you aren't thinking about using a substance. The memory of a previous relapse or the consequences of your SUD can prevent you from repeating your substance misuse. The problem with emotional relapse is that, even though you aren't thinking about using a substance, your behavior and emotions put you in a position to use it again. Since you aren't thinking about picking up a drink or using a drug, you may deny how you are feeling. 

Feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression can trigger an emotional relapse if you don't seek help. The emotional actions and reactions to situations can determine if you are on a path towards relapse. If you think you are either in an emotional relapse or are at risk, check if any of these symptoms apply to you:

• Bottled-up emotions. How you express your feelings can develop during your childhood or adult life and is heavily influenced by your culture. In many cultures, there is the expectation that men don't show emotions like crying. They're supposed to keep it all inside. However, healthily expressing your feelings is vital to your mental health.

• Isolation. There are times when you want to be alone. Taking time for yourself is fine, but pushing others away when you need emotional support is not healthy.

• Not going to meetings or not participating in discussions. Whether it is a structured support group or a gathering of like-minded people, your support system is vital to your sobriety.

• Focusing on others' problems.

• Decreased appetite or sleep.

Another part of emotional release is a decrease in caring for yourself. Self-care includes therapy, emotional care, and physical care. 

Mental Relapse

Mental relapse is when your mind is battling the urge to use and the desire not to use. When you go further into mental relapse, your ability to think about why you shouldn't use decreases. The need to escape your mind increases. The signs of mental relapse include:

• Craving alcohol or drugs

• Thinking about people, places, or things that are associated with your substance use

• Forgetting the reality of your substance abuse. Unfortunately, the tendency to overlook or glamorize your past use isn't uncommon during a mental relapse

• Bargaining with yourself

• Lying to yourself or others

• Trying to find ways you can control your use

• Finding excuses to relapse

• Actively planning a relapse

Occasional thoughts of relapse are expected, especially in early recovery. However, when you have them frequently, you should find help in your support group or therapy.

Physical Relapse

Physical relapse is evident because it is when you start using again. Most people relapse because they find a window of opportunity to drink or use a substance.  Whether it's a chance opportunity or a planned chance to drink or use a drug again, you used.

Are There Different Types of Physical Relapse?

Some researchers believe there are two types of relapse: lapse and relapse.

A lapse occurs when you take the first drink or use a drug once. Too often, the temptation to have a sip or use a drug is what drives you to lapse. A problem with a lapse is you may justify the use or the amount you drank or used. The focus isn't on the fact you used a substance. Another aspect of a lapse is the increased risk of mental relapse. You can become preoccupied with thinking about using a substance again. Setbacks also have the potential to lead to relapse. 

According to some researchers, relapse occurs when you use a substance more than once. They also believe a relapse includes the inability to control your use.

Relapses are a part of addiction. You may never relapse physically but still have relapsed emotionally or mentally multiple times. Maybe you saw an opportunity to start using again and went for it. The unpredictability of addiction and relapse is why you should have a robust support system. After completing your addiction treatment program, it is essential to be active in support groups, aftercare, or therapy. Active participation in any of these forms of support can decrease your risk of having any relapse. If you do relapse, you can start over. Monte Cristo Recovery is a low-cost detoxification center focused on your needs. Our program includes medical staff, a chef, and the comfort you need to heal. Your relapse doesn't define who you are. You have the power to accept the relapse and learn. The first step is to admit you made a mistake and seek help. For more information about our program, call (714) 824-9896.

Can Natural Remedies Cure a Substance Use Disorder?

Natural healing remedies are continuing to gain popularity in society. People are beginning to turn their backs on pharmaceuticals, preferring alternative ways to help heal physical and mental health issues. Addiction treatment centers that guide clients with a substance use disorder (SUD) to sobriety incorporate holistic therapies into their treatment programs. As treatment centers blend Western techniques like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with Eastern practices like mindfulness, they acknowledge findings of the effectiveness of Eastern traditions. However, a quick search on the internet will discuss how natural remedies like milk thistle can cure an SUD. How can you know what doesn't work for an SUD? 

Natural Remedies

Healing centers that focus on healing your physical or mental wounds without traditional Western therapies do so without Western medication. Instead, they replace the medical model with one based on holistic treatments. Holistic therapies focus on bringing the mind, body, and spirit together. Natural healing centers concentrate on lifestyle change, healing remedies, or nutritional guidance. 

People beginning to work on their sobriety can integrate traditional therapies with holistic therapies. Still, the temptation to use natural remedies as a cure instead of evidence-based treatments persists. One natural remedy that helps is exercise. Exercise is a healthy form of therapy for those with SUDs. Movement, whether it's an individual sport or group sport, releases dopamine, which elevates positive feelings. Some recommended natural remedies are detailed below.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is not a cure-all. Some internet articles suggest apple cider vinegar has health benefits, including the ability to reduce cravings. They claim the vinegar contains micro bacteria called “mother," which reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Supporters of apple cider vinegar as a tool to prevent relapse conclude that regular use will stop the urge to use, improve metabolism, and bolster the immune system. Edwin McDonald IV, MD, discusses this theory. Dr. McDonald explains that the “mother” acts as a probiotic to help control blood sugar, reduce bacteria on salad, and potentially aid in weight loss. However, he cautions there isn't scientific proof of the importance of the "mother."

Milk Thistle

A debate surrounds the effectiveness of milk thistle on certain liver diseases. Proponents of milk thistle as a remedy for substance addiction claim milk thistle extract restores liver function and can prevent liver disease. Researchers studied the clinical efficacy of milk thistle in healing cirrhosis of the liver. However, evidence from multiple studies is not enough to say whether milk thistle is effective or not.

Mindfulness

Natural remedy enthusiasts and supporters believe mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can redirect harmful thought patterns towards healthy thought patterns. Meditation or yoga guides people to look inside themselves, slow down their thoughts, and listen to what their body tells them. Mindfulness is the practice of assessing, processing, and finding a healthy solution. Researchers have studied the effects of mindfulness on a person's mental health. Approximately ten to fifteen years of research began to see if mindfulness helps people with an SUD. Recent research showed mindfulness does affectcravings and substance misuse. Thus, the studies suggest mindfulness techniques are effective in substance addiction treatment.

Nutrition

Natural healing centers use proper nutrition as a part of healing the mind and body. Scientists agree with the importance of nutrition in substance addiction treatment. A healthy diet is vital for mental and physical health. The article The Importance of Nutrition in Aiding Recovery From Substance Use Disorders: A Review states there isn't a specific assessment for guiding the nutrition needs of those with an SUD. The researchers involved in the paper did note that people with an SUD often suffer from malnutrition or deficiencies that can cause:

• Alcoholic myopathy, also known as skeletal muscle dysfunction.

• Loss of bone density.

• Mood disorders like depression or anxiety.

Western and Eastern Methods Help Heal

Giving up alcohol or drugs is challenging and poses risks to a person's physical and mental health. Anyone who decides to give up a substance benefits from a detoxification program staffed with medical professionals. An addiction to alcohol or other substances creates a physical dependence on a chemical. Once the withdrawal process begins, the brain doesn't immediately recognize the absence of the substance and continues to overproduce natural chemicals that counteract the effect of a substance. The result is a person's body experiences a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue

• Moodiness

• Nausea

• Potential for death or suicidal thoughts

A study titled An Holistic Approach to Substance Abuse Treatment found integrating traditional and holistic forms of therapy provided numerous benefits for those with a SUD. For example, when treatment centers used CBT or another form of conventional treatment with holistic therapies like art, dance, yoga, or meditation, people could better understand their SUD and replace harmful behaviors with healthy behaviors. 

As more people turn to natural remedies to help them cope with mental health, substance use, or physical disorders, knowing how they affect their health and heating is imperative. Internet searches for home remedies or easy solutions to a mental health or substance use disorder will produce results. Still, without further research, a person can put their well-being in danger. Not every claim of how a natural remedy can cure, prevent, or heal is scientifically proven. Natural remedies, like mindfulness or exercise, are proven to help those with an SUD during substance addiction treatment and recovery. However, natural alternatives to traditional care may have little to no effect on recovering from an SUD. Instead, treatment centers like Monte Cristo Recovery that support evidence-based forms of therapy provide the treatment needed for recovery. Our center in Orange County, California, includes nutritionally balanced meals, comfortable beds, and a space to heal.  To learn more call, (714) 824-9896.

The Correlation Between Mental Health Issues and Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are closely linked, but one doesn't necessarily cause the other. People often abuse alcohol or drugs to ease the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental disorder, or to cope with difficult emotions. When someone suffers from both addiction and a mental health issue, doctors call the disorders “co-occurring.”

The Connection Between Mental Illness and Addiction

The link between substance use disorders and mental health conditions has been studied extensively and the two co-occur with surprising frequency. Individuals who have both diagnoses are commonly referred to as being “dual diagnosis” patients.

Research from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report showed that individuals with co-occurring substance use issues and mental health problems far exceed common expectations. The report uncovered the following data:

• Approximately 50% of persons with severe mental disorders struggle with a substance use disorder

• 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also live with at least one serious mental illness

• 29% of all people diagnosed with a mental disorder use alcohol or drugs inappropriately

Having a co-occurring disorder produces certain symptoms that affect a person’s ability to fulfill their responsibilities. It can affect their studies, job, or personal relationships.  When a mental health disorder goes untreated, a co-occurring substance abuse problem usually gets worse. The reverse is also true. When alcohol or drug abuse increases, mental health problems increase too. For instance, a person with an untreated mental health disorder may abuse alcohol and drugs to deal with stress, anxiety, and a lack of self-worth.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, other co-occurring mental health issues that are associated with substance abuse include ADHD, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. The most severe kinds of mental illness, including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), can cause a person to become addicted to drugs or alcohol because those diagnosed with these conditions seek an escape from the symptoms that substances can provide. It is not uncommon for people with depression or anxiety to experience overwhelming emotions, so they turn to drugs or alcohol to ease their symptoms.

Diagnosing a Co-occurring Disorder

Some types of mental health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing an addiction. Some SUD can contribute to the symptoms of mental health disorders. For example, if someone is under severe stress, or lives with severe emotional distress or fear, he or she may turn to alcohol to relieve their symptoms. Similarly, someone with a major depressive disorder may turn to alcohol to manage stress or cope with the disorder.

Despite the high number of comorbidity between substance use disorders and mental illness, the correlation doesn't necessarily imply a mechanism of causality. Psychologists agree these three elements contribute to the fact that these disorders often occur together. 

#1. Common risk factors often contribute to both mental illness and substance use and mental illness.

#2. Mental illness may contribute to substance abuse addiction. 

#3. Substance abuse can contribute to the existence of mental illness.

Finally, substance use disorders and mental illnesses are both caused by overlapping factors. These factors include genetic predispositions and environmental influences like stress or trauma.

Signs of Common Co-occurring Disorders

The specific symptoms of a co-occurring disorder can vary widely, even within a single disorder. That is why it's difficult to describe a standard list of symptoms. The following list might reflect the symptoms of co-occurring disorders:

• Heightened irritability or anger

• Violent or aggressive behavior

• Disorganized thinking or inability to focus

• Insomnia or excessive sleep

• A lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Decreased energy

• Resistance to work or attend school

• Withdrawal from family and friends

• Conduct disturbances such as an argument or fighting

The Importance of Treatment

Both addiction and mental illness have serious consequences, so it's important to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. Mental health treatment options can include regular outpatient therapy sessions, inpatient treatment, self-help groups, or medication. Find a treatment center that offers a therapeutic experience that addresses both conditions at the same time. Some facilities can work with a primary care physician to help people manage their co-occurring disorder for their aftercare. If the treatment isn't tailored to address both conditions, it leaves the patient at a greater risk of developing issues in the future. They may not get the relief they need from either.

Mental illness and substance use disorders often develop during adolescence, and people who develop problems earlier typically have a greater risk for severe problems as adults. Evidence-based prevention interventions can help reduce the impact of risk factors, preventing these mental, emotional, and behavioral problems among youth.

Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have similar underlying, brain-based pathologies. Sometimes, people with mental illness are more likely to develop a dependence on drugs or alcohol. However, the connection between mental illness and substance abuse is more complex than simple causality. Strong genetic links, environmental factors, stress, physical trauma, and poor coping skills play a role in both disorders. The specific symptoms of a co-occurring disorder can vary widely, even within a single disorder, which is why it's difficult to describe a standard list of symptoms. If you are concerned that your loved one or you might struggle with both a SUD and a mental health disorder, Monte Cristo Recovery can help. Call us at (714) 824-9896. We can help you assess the severity of your or your loved one's problems and develop a plan to address both conditions. Let us help you live a thriving life.