The Rise of Relapse During COVID-19

Psychological suffering was widely observed during COVID-19, which led to a rise in relapses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on mental and physical health. During the early stages of the pandemic, there were job issues, which led to socio-economical disturbances for families. People also experienced extensive death anxiety and fear during the coronavirus; it was uncertain for every single individual. These problems impose psychological pressure and create a tense situation, which resulted in the rise of relapse during COVID-19.

Social distancing isn't easy, particularly when recovering from substance use disorder. The relapse is heightened in these individuals due to boredom, fear, and anxiety during social distancing.

The pandemic resulted in various behavioral problems. These stressful events trigger individuals to relapse, and they begin taking different drugs to overcome their stress and anxiety.

Let's go through a few maladaptive behaviors and reasons that increase relapse during pandemics.

Alcohol abuse and other drug addictions

Relapse among recovering alcohol and other drug abusers has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people experience uncertainty and grief due to the deaths of their beloved ones. It was the most demanding and emotionally unstable time for almost everyone. Alcohol and drug users require a stable environment and social support to overcome drug abuse disorders.

The main reason for the increase in alcohol and/or drug use relapse is depression and stress during the pandemic. As the pandemic began, almost every country announced a lockdown; it was a period of stress and dilemma that many abusers failed to cope with. So, they started taking excessive alcohol and/or other drugs to escape the stressful environment.

Various factors are causing a significant risk of relapse during COVID-19, including maladaptive behavior, self-sabotage, family dysfunction, and lack of communication.

Contributing factors to relapse in drug addiction

1. Maladaptive Behavior: is one of the contributing factors to relapse in recovering drug addicts. Avoidance, passive aggression, overeating, and withdrawal are some examples of maladaptive behaviors. These individuals have a low tolerance to changes when they recently recover from a drug abuse disorder. Recovering drug addicts may find lockdown limitations unbearable, and their bodies cannot cope with environmental stressors during COVID-19. Maladaptive behavior in recovering drug addicts results in serious family and relationship problems. This directly puts extra stress and burden, which is why relapse is highly expected.
2. Self-sabotage Behavior: self-medication, procrastination, comfort eating, negative self-talk, and self-injury are a few examples of self-sabotage behavior. These behaviors occur due to low self-esteem, confidence, and self-control. Most importantly, fear of change leads to self-sabotage behavior. It is another contributing factor that has worn effect on recovering addicts. During COVID-19, these individuals need extra family support and care to continue their healthy routines. But unfortunately, large numbers of recovering drug addicts are stepping toward relapse.
3. Family dis-functioning and lack of communication: if the family of a recovering addict has conflicts, and family members misbehave with each other, it can be the reason that leads to a relapse in alcohol and/or drug addiction. During corona, people were forced to stay at home, which resulted in negative behavior in these dysfunctional families. Yelling, screaming, tense situations inside the house, and lack of communication due to increased social media use during COVID-19 are significant factors in relapse. Families started diverting their minds to social sites, and these individuals were neglected. No treatment can work effectively until and unless family support and a suitable environment are provided for the long run. Additionally, only family support with treatment can protect one from relapse during COVID-19.

Chris Packham, LAADC, M-RAS, CCDS, CS