People have a belief that an addict/alcoholic should be completely a different person after going through any rehabilitation center; that one should have gained the willpower to be able to handle things. This is a misconception. Relapse is a very real part of the process of recovery, that can cause a more stronger application of what is learnt in rehab centres. Not all drug rehabilitation centres accept this aspect of the disease of addiction/alcoholism. Lots of people see relapse as a sign of failure and lack of willpower.
Zorbacare rehabilitation centre in Mumbai accepts relapse as a stage of ongoing recovery.
What is relapse and why does it happen?
After a period of clean time or sobriety when one decides to drink/use again and begins to consume alcohol/drugs on a regular basis, it is considered a relapse.
Sometimes one comes across a situation where one is tempted, offered and can’t say no, or just whimsically decides to have a try and then the next day gets back to recovery goals. This is known as a slip or lapse.
What causes these slips or relapses is a combination of factors that most rehabilitation centre in india would ignore. Often the recovering person may be going through trying times in personal or professional life, or they might have emotional or psychological issues that are difficult to handle, Personality traits that were not investigated fully may be causing relationship issues, depression, anxiety or drops in self-esteem, guilt and shame. Unresolved emotions and unchanged behavior patterns accompanied by thinking patterns and irrational beliefs can subconsciously be active and lead a person to a relapse.
Zorbacare programme
At Zorbacare we understand that every addicted person has to come to terms with the fact that he or she is unlike others and has been afflicted with the disease of addiction/ alcoholism. This is a process we can assist them with. There are 4 pillars on which a good recovery program tests.
- Psychiatric medication: A good Doctor will assess the emotional-mental-physical state of the person and prescribe medicines that will take care of withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, depression or any other disorder that might exist.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The CBT counsellor will help the person discover and work on the baseline thinking and cognitions that create the personality and character traits that might be leading to relapses.
- Psychotherapy: The therapist helps people to handle their emotions and suggests ways to change Behavioral that create the euphoric recall that leads to relapse.
- Recovery coaching: The coaching is an ongoing process where the client is assisted in the practice of new recovery behaviors and thinking on a daily basis as per the recovery program designed for the client.
- Group activities help to understand what a life of recovery can be like. This is a tool where reinforcement of positive behaviors and calling out of negative behaviors is done in a non judgemental way. Thus motivating the recovery of our client.
Relapse prevention programme
This is a very important aspect that most rehabilitation center in india do not focus on. At Zorbacare we know that it is after the addict leaves rehab and attempts to reintegrate with society that he/she faces the most tough part of his recovery. Even the best rehabilitation center in india cannot prepare one for the pressure of re-entry.
Zorba has an individualized follow-up programme where we provide ongoing support for the addict which includes follow-up stays, telephonic contact and an open door policy towards those who relapse.
Overall, the atmosphere of acceptance and focus on self change helps the client to see the relapse as an event that catalyses a healthier recovery and stronger application of the recovery program.
As part of relapse prevention programme we focus on 4 areas of an individuals life – fear, anger, resentment and sexual history good or bad. We also help them revisit the step work and help them integrate into support groups which can be an excellent support system which a rehabilitation centre in mumbai or a detox centre in mumbai cannot provide.
Infact as one of the best rehabilitation centre in india – Zorbacare is the first voluntary rehabilitation centre in India which focuses specially on relapse prevention.