Relapse Among Teenagers

RELAPSE AMONG TEENAGERS

Relapse among teenagers can be put into a few different
categories. Many times relapse is viewed as just relapse but this may not be
so. There are several types of relapse especially among teenagers. Many times
teenagers may go through periods in their teenage years where they experiment
with using drugs and/or alcohol and so their use is sporadic and inconsistent. Other
teens’ may use on the weekends or at certain parties but continue to keep their
life functional but the drug and/or alcohol use is not their focus. There are
the teenagers’ that begin to use and the use becomes a continual escalation
where they are using daily up to several times a day, they may be trying
different types of drugs or cocktailing different types of drugs but they are
doing whatever it takes to feel “high”. The escalation in drug use along with
other determining factors could be an addiction problem and not just a drug/alcohol
abuse problem.

Whether it is abuse or addiction the relapses and abuse may
continue if there is not some type of action taken. As parents watch their teen
behaviors change when they become more engaged in the drug world, they may
choose to intervene by sending their teen to treatment. These treatments range
from intensive outpatient to a residential treatment facility. If the teen is
sent to a residential facility then their drug use and behavior was most likely
out of control. Once they leave these treatment facilities the transition back
home will be crucial in whether or not the teen continues in a recovery
lifestyle or relapses back into the drug world.

There have been studies done on the reasons adolescents
relapse. One such study by Talbott & Martin (1999), found that denial of
drug dependency, rationalization of the drug use, lack of family support, lack
of spiritual connection, cross addiction, over confidence, unresolved negative
emotions, unresolved guilt from the past, or returning to using friends were
factors of relapse. Other studies by (Talbott & Matin and Gorsky &
Miller, 1986), have found that those that relapse are less involved in
productive activities, and have less satisfying leisure activities in other
words boredom may play a big part of relapse among teenagers.  

These factors also become the reason relapse can be put into
different categories. If a teen is experimenting with drugs and alcohol and
they quit for a substantial amount of time, this may not be considered a
relapse. Generally these teens drug use is because of peer pressure or other
pressures from school, or home. The teen may not know how to handle the
emotions and turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve these feelings, so they may
use for that night but then revert back to not using drugs or alcohol for
another period of time. The problem with any type of drug use is that teenagers
may be more susceptible to continued use once they start because their
impulsivity and lack of judgment impedes their ability to know how or when to
stop.   

Teens that have gone into some type of treatment because of
their drug use are prone to relapse because of the above factors. Even with
these factors however, there can still be a couple of categories of relapse.
Once a teen comes home or leaves treatment if they continue with activities
that help them stay sober like; going to support groups, NA/AA, and are
involved in productive activities (school, work) they are less likely to
relapse but sometimes they may end up in a situation where they have an opportunity
to use. If they take this use as a failure or start thinking they can handle
using and continue using this becomes a relapse but if they get back on track,
talk to someone about their “slip” and keep going with their recovery then this
may be considered more of a “slip” than a relapse.

Parents need to learn to talk openly to their teen about
using drugs and alcohol. Teenagers need to know that their parents are by their
side and they will support and help them (not rescue) in these tough
situations. Relapse can be less likely if the parents and family are supportive;
the teen stays active in school, work, and sober activities. If you would like
more information please contact me at www.repairnlife.com