Chronic Relapse In A College Setting


Drug addiction is a baffling disease in and of itself. Few people understand the complex reactions of the drugs they take or the underlying mental processes that lead to someone using illicit drugs. We've all seen and heard the horror stories of addiction outcomes, though. Whether you know someone directly who uses drugs and seems to be dying from it or watching their life spiral out of control or you've read the sad news story of the drug addict who died in the midst of something he couldn't understand, you've had exposure to what addiction leads to. Perhaps the hardest thing of all to understand is chronic relapse. This is the instance where someone escaped from a deadly addiction only to head right back into it at a later time. College students seem particularly susceptible to relapse.

The factors of addiction

Addiction is the product of many things. There are forces at play that mix together and make it complicated to understand as a whole. For example, sometimes mental illness plays a large part in making someone seek out drugs as a source of comfort. The explanation for this is shockingly reasonable. If you're scared, depressed, or suffering, it's only natural to look for something to help you feel better, and if you feel bad enough a drug might seem the most logical choice for immediately feeling better. The problem is that drugs are both dangerous and short acting, making them a poor solution to any problem. Addicts who are under the weight of a mental illness fail to see this, though. Other factors play a huge part such as personal body chemistry and environment. The environment is perhaps one of the strongest factors of all of them, especially for college students who are constantly in an environment that encourages partying and short term good times without any thought of the consequences.

The problem of environment for college students

College students who have good mental health and a sense of responsibility will frequently still find themselves faced with enormous pressure to party and have a good time with their peers. It's seen as a "free" time of life where you experiment and do what you want to do. This type of environment can be disastrous for someone who is at risk for drug abuse. It's difficult to even know who is at risk before they're tested because there are no surefire ways to tell if someone will develop a dependence on any drugs. College life presents a dangerous cocktail of social situations and substances that can turn especially deadly for a student with poor mental health. Even if a college student recognizes a drug problem and gets help for it, they are often faced with the same kind of pressure after they emerge triumphant. This quickly turns into a cycle of relapse, recovery, and more relapse. Chronic relapse remains one of the most troubling aspects of addiction. People understand why it's difficult to escape addiction the first time. They don't understand willingly going back to the addiction once you've been through it.

Chronic relapse treatment in California

Addiction and the college student have a happy ending for some, though. Treatment is readily available for anyone who wants it. Once it's obvious that someone continues to run back to drugs as a solution to trouble can enter a treatment program to find out why. There's often an underlying mental problem contributing to the case or there may be a case of addict quality present in the particular patient who suffers from chronic relapse. For college students, environment plays an especially important part in the relapse and so they need to have recovery tools to help them avoid situations that might lead to relapse. They also learn how to recognize the signs of a detox and might even benefit from one of the many 12 step groups that are out there. If chronic relapse problematic enough, the patient can seek out a residential treatment program. Some of these programs are as long as a year or more and give college students the tools to carry out their school work while still getting the help they need. After the addiction battle is won, they return to college with the treatment tools they need to stay strong in the face of their environment.

Addiction & the college student is one of the most perplexing and heartbreaking of all problems. Please go here for more information.


Comments

Pam said…
It is always so sad how many college students are substance addicted. It can really have a toll on their school and social lives, along with their home life and health.
Unknown said…
I've known several who have become addicted to pain medication, specifically. So sad. I'm always scared to take ANYTHING, thinking of how it will affect me.
Amber N said…
I have seen many people go through addiction and it is such a sad, difficult thing. They have to want to change.
I am blessed that my kids had a strong will to stay away from drugs. It is sad that some kids have to go through this horrible experience. I hope there would be more awareness and support groups to help these kids in need.
My kids know someone who is an alcoholic so they are pretty against drugs and alcohol they grew up knowing how awful it all is and I'm hoping that strong sense to stay away from it all continues on. - jeanine
Miles L. said…
It is sad to hear about the rampant addiction of college students. We need to do more about this problem.
Unknown said…
It's so easy to fall into the trap of addiction when you are away at college without any parents to keep an eye on you. Support groups are so important.
mail4rosey said…
So many people do form addictive habits in college when it come to drug and alcohol. I'm old enough now that I've seen some never recover, sad to say but true.
Lisa RIos said…
Addiction is something that many teens go through these days, it hurts when you see students getting addicted to drugs & alcohol. I think every one of us must step-in to provide guidance to teens to stay out of it.
Babita said…
Drug addiction is one of the worse things that can happen to a young person. It is a sad and unfortunate reality.
Lori Labre said…
My kids are closing in on this age. I am hopeful that our participation in their lives and open discussion will help when they get offered. I know my 16 and 12 year old are not impressed by some of the kids who are already falling down the path to addiction. It cannot be easy for anyone. Thanks for this post.
Jules said…
Substance abuse in college students starts in the Mind with a thought of weakness or greed! Weakness either to please one's peers or trying out something or to cover a bit of exam stress...And greed on the supplier's side to make a quick buck. I feel so sad for the young ones who get caught up!
Unknown said…
This was one of my major concerns with my daughter, especially when we migrated to Canada - a move she was none to happy about. My other concern was with alcohol as that is so free flowing on campuses. This is an important post and I am happy to share it.