Chronic relapse is the reoccurrence of use after a state of sobriety has been achieved.  It consists of multiple incidents of drug use and places the individual in the dangerous path of redeveloping old behavioral patterns. 

There are a variety of contributers that an individual can encounter that might result in the state of chronic relapse.  "Triggers", such as the people, places and things in relation to the addict, are key determination factors in relapse prevention.  Whatever was once a part of the cycle in the history of use should be avoided at all costs, as they remind the individual of the past and could illicit negative responses leading to the decay of recovery. 

It is often advisable that people stay away from all temptation of not only their particular drug of choice but others as well, in the avoidance of cross addiction or transference.  Even the slightest use of any drug can be a danger to a person that is in recovery, as any lapse in judgment can lead to chronic relapse.  The danger of compulsion is always present once the drug has been administered to the system.  Even after years of sobriety it remains a threat, as withdrawal will continue to have the same effects of induced craving. 

Once the drug leaves the body the individual will want more, and instead of a singular incident it could result in chronic usage.  This could wipe away all the work that the individual has done in the pursuit of recovery, and without immediate intervention could end in death. 

The effect that people have upon each other is very powerful.  Loved ones, friends, coworkers, and peers are often contributing factors to chronic relapse.  There are those who simply can not grasp the concept of rehabilitation and recovery.  They do not understand that one drink can send an alcoholic back to the stage before recovery when their life was spiraling out of control.  It is a behavioral issue, and the drug triggers certain centers of the brain that automatically respond in specific ways.  The more a person uses the more these brain patterns emerge until the undesirable behavior has once again been conjured.  It is easy to succumb to peer pressure, especially if it is without malice.  The ignorance of others has to be taken into account, and situations where they might have leverage should be avoided.

Old "hang out" spots and other places of drug and alcohol abuse should be discarded as well.  Anything that might remind the individual of past use could be a danger.  Despite knowing the damage that the addiction has caused, not all memories are necessarily bad ones, and returning to old haunts might trigger some sort of fictionalized version of the truth.  Reliving the "glory days" might bring a sort of short lived satisfaction but could also contribute to chronic relapse. 

It is also very important that the individual who is in recovery has access to a safe environment without the presence of any sort of intoxicant.  It is advisable not to live with anyone that is using as the temptation to relapse would be too great.  It takes a long time to recover from a drug addiction and to rebuild the walls of self esteem and willpower.  To have something desired flaunted in one's face will tempt even the strongest of people.  It is only a  matter of time before relapse occurs, and if the situation does not change it rapidly could become chronic.

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