By Ben Brafman
Addiction relapse is the body's response to the cessation of
addictive behavior. During relapse, the mind and body effectively unify
in the pursuit of homeostatic regulation, or feelings of "normalcy."
This unification culminates in a strong compulsion that can force
treatment clients to pursue their addiction. The regulatory mechanisms
at work are among the strongest that the brain can muster, so it is no
surprise that it requires strong dedication and skill to avoid addiction
relapse.
A woman in recovery must first understand the entirety of the relapse process in order to overcome it. The biological, social and emotional difficulties associated with relapse are multifaceted and reasonably complex, but with a little guidance every women can work through recovery and achieve success.
Understanding and Decreasing the Risk of Addiction Relapse
What is a Relapse?
Addiction relapse is often qualified by the actual reproduction of addictive behaviors following a period of cessation. Although this standard is correct, it fails to account for the entirety of the relapse process, which begins with cravings and ends with an addictive act.
Many women in recovery will often blame a lack of willpower for their relapses and cravings. Few understand that cravings signal an addiction that has not abated and still requires addressing. Willpower is a finite resource when denying addictive impulses. Cravings will eventually overcome an individual unless she is able to identify and actively work against those cravings and avoid addiction relapse. In order to begin the craving extinction process, the biological mechanisms at work during addiction must first be overcome.
The Biology of Addiction and Relapse
Addiction is a strong and powerful disease. Although addiction often has a genetic component, even genetically predisposed individuals can avoid falling prey to addiction through strong prevention efforts. Similarly, a person that lacks any genetic influence towards a particular addiction can still become addicted through repeated exposure.
Addiction relapse occurs when the removal of an addictive substance or behavior is accompanied by a lack of biological realignment. The brain will never cease in its pursuit of an addiction unless neurotransmitter production is brought back in line with healthy, homeostatically-regulated functioning.
Decreasing the Chances of Addiction Relapse
The brain's production and regulation of signals must be balanced before addictive cravings can cease. This can be done with cognitive behavioral therapy, one on one counseling and group therapy. In some cases medication can temporarily help ease the cravings, especially during the period of withdrawal. To decrease the chances of an addiction relapse, a woman must recognize that recovery is the most important aspect in her life and dedicate herself to constantly improving her relapse prevention skills.
A woman in recovery must first understand the entirety of the relapse process in order to overcome it. The biological, social and emotional difficulties associated with relapse are multifaceted and reasonably complex, but with a little guidance every women can work through recovery and achieve success.
Understanding and Decreasing the Risk of Addiction Relapse
What is a Relapse?
Addiction relapse is often qualified by the actual reproduction of addictive behaviors following a period of cessation. Although this standard is correct, it fails to account for the entirety of the relapse process, which begins with cravings and ends with an addictive act.
Many women in recovery will often blame a lack of willpower for their relapses and cravings. Few understand that cravings signal an addiction that has not abated and still requires addressing. Willpower is a finite resource when denying addictive impulses. Cravings will eventually overcome an individual unless she is able to identify and actively work against those cravings and avoid addiction relapse. In order to begin the craving extinction process, the biological mechanisms at work during addiction must first be overcome.
The Biology of Addiction and Relapse
Addiction is a strong and powerful disease. Although addiction often has a genetic component, even genetically predisposed individuals can avoid falling prey to addiction through strong prevention efforts. Similarly, a person that lacks any genetic influence towards a particular addiction can still become addicted through repeated exposure.
Addiction relapse occurs when the removal of an addictive substance or behavior is accompanied by a lack of biological realignment. The brain will never cease in its pursuit of an addiction unless neurotransmitter production is brought back in line with healthy, homeostatically-regulated functioning.
Decreasing the Chances of Addiction Relapse
The brain's production and regulation of signals must be balanced before addictive cravings can cease. This can be done with cognitive behavioral therapy, one on one counseling and group therapy. In some cases medication can temporarily help ease the cravings, especially during the period of withdrawal. To decrease the chances of an addiction relapse, a woman must recognize that recovery is the most important aspect in her life and dedicate herself to constantly improving her relapse prevention skills.
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