Addiction is a chronic problem and getting rid of it not that easy. The statistics for relapse cases are not good. Many people tend to relapse into their old habits after quitting.
This is quite common among smokers as well. People who quit smoking often relapse within a few months. This is due to habituation and constant presence of peers who smoke.
Drug addicts and alcoholics also tend to relapse quickly. In most of these cases the usage of substances increases. People who relapse can drink or drug themselves to near death. Studies indicate that people with an opiate addiction suffer from an 85 percent chance of relapsing.
The influence of alcohol is very individual and depending on the person the rate of relapsing varies from 30 to 70 percent. Various drugs are being developed to counter this problem and in due course these should bring down the instances of addiction relapse. Psychiatric and mental problems are often cited as one of the primary causes for this occurrence. People with anxiety issues and problems in their lives are far more likely to go back to their old habits. Bipolar disorders and other similar conditions can also cause a person to relapse.
Unsurprisingly, social factors also play an important part in this. Friends and peers often force or cajole a person to go back to their old habits. Sometimes happy events can also cause a person to relapse. Many alcoholics tend to start drinking again during stressful times such as marriages or during divorces. Personal problems are among the most significant causes of drug and alcohol relapse. Seeking treatment as soon as possible is the best idea. Before the situation gets out of control, the addiction must be treated.