Relapses and return to substance dependence can occur any time and is a constant threat. Dual diagnosis has been recognized for many years now, in which mental illness syndromes such as mood or psychotic disorders can be diagnosed in patients who are also dependent on alcohol, street drugs or other prescriptions. These self mediators tend to seem to take anything that is available. Abstinence is absolutely necessary in the first year of recovery. There are many exceptions to this, but there is too much cost to taking a chance.
Abstinence usually requires an external duress from health, family, debts or law enforcement.
Self driven desires to seek improvement do occur despite the above, and are to be supported when observed. Psychotropics are not specific for addictions, except that Anxio- lytics, alcohol, or street drugs can ease the distress of recovery, but then so can AA meetings prn. Three times daily can be helpful in the acute phases and is not uncommon in successful recoveries.