Most people do not realize that there are actually dangers that can occur from relapsing over and over again. Normal thoughts that go through the mind of an alcoholic or an addict is that if you make it out of a relapse alive, then you are doing well. The truth of the matter is that each time you stop drinking and using for a period of time and then return to abusing substances, you are deteriorating your body a little more with every slip.

There is a recovery concept associated with relapse that is called kindling. You may be familiar with the term in regard to building a fire. Kindling is the material used to a get a fire going. With each bit of kindling that is added, the fire gets hotter with stronger flames. If you were to take this visual and apply it to the insanity of an addiction, you will understand how kindling could be rather treacherous to someone who cannot stay sober.

What makes kindling an addiction so dangerous is how the physical symptoms continue to get progressively worse with every single episode. The vicious cycle of relapse, withdrawal, detox, repeat, can really take a toll on someone’s body. Flip flopping from drinking and abstaining becomes detrimental with the body chemistry by causing withdrawals to become worse each time. Migraines, tremors, dehydration, and seizures become much more extreme the longer drugs and alcohol are abused.

Drugs and alcohol both act as depressants to the central nervous system. The neurotransmitter, Gamma-Aminobutyric (GABA), also slows down the brain with the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Once the mind-altering substances leave the body and the effects from GABA dissipate, the brain will try to compensate from no longer having the depressant in the blood stream and speed up the brain. This excitability is how withdrawals begin to manifest themselves and the more times this happens, the more severe the symptoms become.

The more someone continues to yo-yo from substance abuse to cessation, the harder time they will have resisting drugs and alcohol to continue feeling better rather than worse. The longer this activity goes on in their addiction, the more likely they will need to have a medically supervised detox. Medical professionals should monitor the patients who are experiencing severe symptoms that could eventually result in a fatality.

Kindling a fire is such a great portrayal of how relapsing can put extra unneeded stress on the body. Relapsing is never easy and does not have to occur if someone who has an addiction seeks help as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs and alcohol, The Kimberly Center has a treatment plan that will work just for you. Our evidence-based therapies are designed to last a lifetime and can help you to build a foundation in recovery.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)