Once substance abuse is developed, the power of addiction can keep an adolescent vulnerable to relapse with drugs and alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that 40-60 percent of teens will relapse at least once in their first four years of sobriety, if not more, in no one way. Relapse prevention is imperative to help a teenager know what they are up against with their substance abuse because the solution is not as easy as just stopping drinking or using. Relapse triggers can become more prevalent with each passing day without having some sort of recovery plan to keep you on track.
Stress
Regardless if what age someone is, stress is one of the main reasons that people relapse. Instant gratification seems easier than having to deal with the anxiety or stress at hand. One aspect of recovery is dealing with life on life's terms. Life will continue to happen, but your teen will have to find new coping mechanisms other than drugs or alcohol to turn to when things get tough.
Old Using Buddies
Being around friends or acquaintances that are still using, or drinking can play tricks on your adolescent's recovery. They may develop cravings from the sight, smell, or sounds of being around drugs or alcohol. Some friends may not understand what addiction really is and convince your teen that they can handle the substances they are trying to avoid. Finding sober friends in recovery is important for them to help stay away from friends who may not be a good influence on them.
Confidence
Once your teen gets a little time under their belt in sobriety, it is not uncommon for them to start thinking I got this. Even though recovery must be taken one day at a time, there is no graduating from an addiction. If your teen starts moving away from using the tools of their program, most likely they will start digressing back to their old addictive behaviors with no defense against drugs or alcohol.
Self-pity
Teens in recovery often ponder why me? Having to attend rehab or getting proof of attendance from 12-Step meetings can be a drag for them to have to deal with. Feeling impatient that recovery is not working or not being able to do what they want can lead them to feel sorry for themselves. Picking up a drink or a drug becomes their solution to taking away their pain.
You may hear that relapse is part of recovery, but it does not have to be for your adolescent. Identifying triggers before they happen can help you to guide your teen in the best possible way.
If your teenager has developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol, Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center understands the commitment your son requires in getting help. Our unique treatment was started by our family to aid other families in lifelong recovery lived.
Call our family today to get help for yours:
662-598-4214