Addiction Recovery

Introduction. Recovery from addiction

Discussing recovery from addiction and relapse prevention wouldn’t be possible without the scientific research of Dr. Terence Gorski who created the treatment model for Relapse Prevention and Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrom (PAWS).

He says dependency is a disease that affects the bio-psycho-social functioning. He asserts that treatment must include ways to address the biological damage caused by addiction, specifically brain dysfunction. The treatment’s objective is to enhance psychological well-being and social relationships.

Relapse is framed as the “relapse syndrome.” This indicates that there are a number of symptoms and warning signs preceding a relapse. The most notable on is the presence of untreated Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrom (PAWS).

Gorski adheres to the 12-Step wisdom, and the therapeutic underpinning is cognitive-behavioral with a focus on lifestyle changes to foster long-term recovery.

Gorski identifies 3 types of chemically dependent people:

1. Recovery prone

2. Transitionally relapse prone

3. Chronically relapse prone

a) Unmotivated to change

b) Motivated to change

This relapse prevention for dependency model is designed especially for the motivated relapse-prone individuals (Gordon, 2003).

Addiction Recovery and Relapse Prevention

The Gorski treatment model is important in addiction recovery and in relapse treatment for people with dependency. It teaches psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors to focuses on brain dysfunction as a major physical consequence of dependency. This is because it interferes with one’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and regulate behavior.

The brain dysfunction manifests in what Gorski and Miller (1985) call Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS). These are symptoms that occur after a person has gone through acute withdrawal, or detoxification.

Psychologists working with prevention and addiction recovery and post acute withdrawal symptoms expect symptoms reduction. However, there are some who will experience ongoing stable post withdrawal symptoms. There will also be some who will experience more such symptoms over time. It is this last category of people in recovery that have the highest relapse rates.

Initially the Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms can be triggered by stress, but also the substance craving enhances the stress level creating a vicious circle. “This personal distress, caused by the compromised ability to handle thoughts, emotions and behaviors, is the precipitating cause of a relapse (Ibid., p.10).

Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrom (PAWS)

Inability to think clearly: Inability to concentrate for more than a few minutes, impairment of abstract reasoning, rigid and repetitive thinking/going around and round.

Memory problems: short- and long-term memory is affected

Emotional overreactions or numbness

Sleep disturbances: Short-term, or life-long

Physical coordination problems: Dizziness, balance problems, hand-eye coordination problems, and slow reflexes.

Stress sensitivity: Difficulty managing stress and inability to assess stress realistically (Ibid.)

Stages of recovery from PAWS

Gordon and Miller (1985) describe CENAPS as a developmental model of recovery (DMR).

There are 6 developmental periods that clients pass through in which certain recovery tasks completed:

Gordon and Miller (1985) describe CENAPS as a developmental model of recovery (DMR). There are 6 developmental periods that clients pass through in which certain recovery tasks completed:

• Pre-treatment: recognizing addiction. Learning by the consequences that you cannot safely use addictive chemicals.
• Stabilization: Withdrawal and crisis management. Regaining control of thought processes, emotional processes, memory, judgement and behavior
• Early recovery: Acceptance of the disease and learning to function without drugs and alcohol
• Middle recovery: Developing a normal, balanced lifestyle. Resisting substitute addictions.
• Late recovery: Personality change. Development of healthy self-esteem, spiritual growth, healthy intimacy, and meaningful living
• Maintenance: Growth and development. Staying sober and living productively

As a person progresses through the recovery stages the CENAPS model proposes to use a number of skills learned during dependency treatment to alleviate stress and manage PAWS should they occur.

Help for Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrom

People in addiction recovery can learn to control PAWS with stress management. It is stress which triggers and intensifies the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal.

You can learn to identify sources of stress and develop skills in decision making and problem solving to help reduce stress. Proper diet, exercise, regular habits, and positive attitudes all play important parts in stress management.

Relaxation can be used as a tool to retrain the brain to function properly and to reduce stress (Ibid., p. 70).” During dependency treatment counseling, a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counselor can assist patients to identify and manage their stress. Relapse treatment for people with dependency is essential to strengthen recovery and maintain a clean and sober life.

Sources

Gordon, S. (2003). Relapse & recovery: Behavioral strategies for change. Retrieved Jul 02, 2011, from http://www.apofla.com/dl/relapse/2516_relapse_report.pdf

Gorkski & Miller (1986). Staying sober: A guide for relapse prevention. Independence, MO: Herald House/Independence Press