Relapse During Inpatient Drug Rehab

Relapse from drugs or alcohol can happen to any addict at any time – even if they are diligently working a daily recovery plan as part of an inpatient drug rehab program. The fact of the matter is that the first few weeks after detox and Acute Withdrawal Syndrome are generally the most delicate for a person in recovery – and this is precisely why inpatient treatment usually begins immediately after detox. Therefore, it’s no surprise that some people will relapse while attending treatment; and if they do, they could place everyone at the rehab in danger of doing the same.

While the therapies and treatment methods employed at an inpatient drug rehab are critical parts of an effective and lasting recovery program, one of the most important things that inpatient treatment provides is time. This means time away from drugs and the people, places, and things that were associated with substance abuse. By allowing an addict 30 days reprieve from these influences and stresses, the physical part of the “habit” that is addiction can be successfully broken.

Threat of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

The biggest risk during this stage of recovery is symptoms related to Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. In most cases these symptoms are addressed through various therapies and medication when necessary. However, sometimes PAWS symptoms are too much for a newly recovering addict to handle, and they’ll seek out drugs or alcohol in order to self-medicate these problems. When this happens, everyone at the treatment center is placed at risk, and based upon daily news reports from all over the country, this is a legitimate issue:

“Former wrestling champ Matt Hardy was kicked out of court-ordered rehab today for failing a breathalyzer test … this according to multiple sources. Earlier this year, Hardy was ordered to go to rehab by the court after a string of run-ins with the law. We’re told the staff at the rehab got suspicious of Hardy’s behavior on Friday and gave him a breathalyzer test on the spot … which he failed. According to our sources, Hardy was adamant he wasn’t drinking … and said he only failed because he had “just used mouthwash.” (1)

In most cases when a recovering addict or alcoholic relapses while in an inpatient treatment center, they will be asked to leave the facility. In some situations this can be as a punishment, but it’s done primarily to protect the other patients in the clinic, who are likely working hard on their own treatment programs. Additionally, because many treatment centers require that detox be completed before addiction treatment can begin, people who relapse during rehab must necessarily start the process all over again.

In most cases staff members at residential inpatient treatment centers take extra precautions to ensure that drugs are not brought into the facility and that patients do not have access to them via outings or visitors. However, this isn’t always possible. If you or someone you care about is in rehab and has relapsed or has spoken about using again, it’s in the best interest of everyone involved to take action right now. Call the number at the top of your screen for an immediate, confidential consultation. The sooner you reach out for help, the more likely it is that disaster can be avoided.

(1) TMZ Wrestling star Matt Hardy Kicked Out of Rehab Arrested After Failed Booze Test 11/18/2011

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