Relapse: Uncommon aid is a common virtue.

A common trend among those that relapse from alcohol and/or drug addiction is a decrease or cessation of therapeutic groups and/or counseling. Whether listening to another’s story in a 12-step meeting or interfacing with individuals who have completed various treatment programs it is often heard that they quit working their program in one facet or another. While there are a wide variety of opinions as to why this occurs research has shown a correlation between treatment time and outcome.

This research has shown that the length a patient remains in treatment directly correlates to reduction in drug use and improved social functioning. (Walker, 2009). McKay & Weiss described longer periods of treatment as predictive of better outcomes for clients. One of the best analogies this author has heard is that of the “ex-lover” and “the resolutionist”. The first being about an individual who has terminated a relationship for a number of negative reasons, yet finds themself thinking of initiating contact again. They seem to have forgotten the negatives and focus only on some positive aspect of the past experience. It is important to remember the negative experiences as much as the positive.

What about the chronic New Year resolutionist? Here we have a person that desires to improve their appearance and every year that begin a fitness regimen only to “fall off the wagon” a few months later. The reason? Simple. They were driven to the gym by negative motivators. They got results and so the negatives subsided. Next year though the cycle repeats itself. What they should have done was what this author refers to as a motivational transition; changing from negative motivators (I’m overweight) to positive ones (boy, I do look good in this shirt). We also need to remember what those negative experiences where like, and why we don’t want to experience them again.

Many treatment programs offer ongoing therapy for their clients to address this issue. Programs like Midwest Institute for Addiction offer lifetime counseling for their clients and their client’s family. Other programs like Valley Hope Association offer continuing care. Both are excellent support services for continued improvement of quality of life and long-term sobriety.