Why is it so difficult to recover from substance abuse?
At first glance, it would seem to be simple since we learn to stay away from things that harm or frighten us at an early age. As adults, the results of a cost benefit analysis of substance abuse would be self-evident as none of us want to lose our health, family, job, children, self-respect, or to die prematurely. So, stop already! But it is not so simple. Life is not often like an algebra equation where we simply plug in the right number and the formula works. Faith Fighting Addiction, a network of churches that fights addiction, recently presented the panel discussion, "Relapse  Detour or Dead End?" In the program, a panel of Christians working in recovery explored ways people can deal with relapse or reinitiated drug use in family and friends. Our speakers were Rhonda Nordan, outpatient manager at Phoenix Counseling and Crisis Centers, Michelle Mathis, executive director of Olive Branch Ministry, Rodney Alexander, pastor of Celebrate Recovery Ministry at the Heights Church in Belmont, and Shannon Rudisill, certified support specialist at Coastal Southeastern United Care. Two of our speakers are themselves in long-term recovery. Ive summarized their comments and augmented them with insights from conversations Ive had with other people involved in recovery support. One of the first things that comes to mind is physical sickness when withdrawing from substance abuse. Many say it is far worse than the most severe flu plus diarrhea, vomiting, and chronic restlessness. The challenge is people can stop this painful experience by simply re-initiating drug use, and many do. Shame and guilt are other reasons it is easy to relapse. When people come out of the fog of addiction they clearly recall shameful and hurtful things, they have done  stealing, lying, losing jobs, disappointing family, wasting chances, trading family treasures for drugs, trading sex for drugs, and more. While their drug of choice has numbed these harsh events, during recovery they return like a tsunami, filled with shame and guilt. In the face of this emotional pain, these individuals can slowly work through these issues, or they can turn them off by returning to drugs and becoming numb again. Another reason substance abuse recovery is so difficult is the comfortable social life that revolves around drugs. When using their drug of choice, individuals feel accepted by peers, less anxious about social interactions and, again, can brush off memories of rejection and failed relationships. In this lifestyle, the addict receives acceptance and affirmation from people on the same path, which they deeply need if theyve cut themselves off from concerned family and friends. Another factor is the rewiring of the brain. In a process called synoptic sculpting, the nerves in the brain that process desire for substances are strengthened, creating a powerful drive for them. This is not easily or quickly changed. As a result there is a triggering of the brains desire to take addictive substances. Songs, social media messages, images, conversations, kick off processes in the brain, already finely tuned toward using. Neuroscientists call the process of repeatedly resisting temptation Ego Fatigue, which speaks to the constant triggering of the brains desire to take drugs as individuals fight to recover. The person in recovery finds themselves barraged by cues to use from which most people around them are oblivious. For many, especially in the beginning of recovery, a normal day means resisting temptation at a far greater rate than those around him or her are aware. It is easy for them to find themselves worn down. Perhaps we can identify with this when we fall into temptation and sin when were hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. At these times we are more easily seduced into doing things we would normally avoid. But, while it is difficult to recover it is not impossible. As one panelist remembered, at her lowest point, a person told her God can help you. She said for some reason, though she had heard it many times before, at that time, she believed it was true and thus began her long journey to recovery. David Julen is senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cramerton.