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“In my 35 years of experience, education, and work in the profession of addiction treatment, I have learned that a recovering person needs help in their biological and physical, social and psychological, and spiritual well-being. The abusive use of chemicals and alcohol not only changes and disrupts a person in all the aforementioned domains of life, but it also inhibits their ability to grow and develop in each of those domains”
Dr. Keith Marshall, Psy.D., MHD, LAADC, SUDCC-IV-CS, C.A.TC.V
Damage or disability on this list could have resulted from chemical dependency, or they could be qualities or abilities that were always lacking in the person. Either way, they are weak points that can and will cause upsets and setbacks.
In 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) further defined life skills as “abilities for adaptive and positive behavior, that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life”. Certainly, this definition applies to those susceptible to substance abuse. When life gets too difficult, a person without these abilities too often seeks relief through the use of chemicals.
In some cases, relapse can occur suddenly, and individuals struggling with cravings for chemicals can give in without reaching out for help. The best option for relapse prevention is to understand the warning signs of addiction and the factors that commonly lead to relapse. Factors vary for each person and situation, but relapse causes include emotional triggers, social situations, and physical changes.
Some specific situations that can lead to relapse include:
