Preventing Relapse

The Risk of Relapse

One of the dangers of addiction is people being prone to relapse. For many in recovery, the first few months are particularly difficult. Some can go years without drinking or using substances, and still relapse later.

Successful recovery requires positive and lasting changes in all aspects of life. A good treatment does not teach people how to not drink or use drugs, but rather shows people how to live responsibly - with integrity and accountability. As the recovering person continues to grow along their to journey to recovery, they move further away from the risk of relapse.

It’s important to note that relapse does not start with drinking alcohol or taking a pill - it begins way before that. You can prevent relapse long before you actually start using again.

 

Your Core Issues

Here are examples of different issues that could hinder your recovery, or lead to relapse. Some may have already come up, some may show months into recovery, and others may never be a problem. Some you will be able to work through yourself, and others you may need the help of a healthcare professional to overcome.

What is important to remember is that you are not alone. Don’t isolate yourself or hide these issues from others. Take comfort in that there are family, friends, and professionals with the appropriate resources to help you. Be honest with yourself and others during your recovery - it will be easier.

  • Depression

  • Feelings of Guilt

  • Financial Problems

  • Emotional Issues

  • Cravings

  • Anger

  • Low Self-Esteem

  • Anxiety

  • Feelings of Loneliness

  • Relationship Issues

  • Physical Diseases

  • Family Issues

  • Sexual Issues

 

The Road to Relapse

Most people who leave treatment have good intentions to stay clean and sober. They want a new life. But the powerful nature of addiction can easily take over and cause one to relapse.

Many steps need to be taken before a relapse actually occurs. If you try to notice the signs that point you to an impending relapse, the chances of avoiding relapse will be better. Everyone's path is different, but there are usually a few signs that most people can recognize. They may not come in a particular order, but if you notice an increase in warning signs - take action before it's too late!

Relapse is a process that begins before you actually take the first sip of alcohol or the first pill. Just as addiction affects your physical, social, and psychological well-being, the path to relapse may also appear in all areas of your life.

Try to take advantage of the many tools and resources you find in everyday life around you: going to meetings, seeking professional help, calling a sponsor, eating better, getting exercise. It’s your time to get back on track to recovery and leave the road to relapse.

Common Warning Signs Before Relapse

  • Feeling Self-Pity

  • Growing Anger

  • Daydreaming of Old Habits

  • Stop Exercising

  • Denial Creeps Back

  • Frustration in Others

  • Stop Talking to a Sponsor

  • Lose Confidence in Sobriety

  • Feeling Resentful

  • Thinking of Drinking or Using

  • Daily Structure Starts to Crumble

  • Stop Going to Meetings

  • Start Blaming Others

  • Feelings of Depression

  • Refusing to Ask for Help

  • Starts Lying

  • Procrastinating on Daily Tasks

  • Start to Associate with People Using

 

Denial Leads to Relapse

Denial plays an important role when it comes to going back to mood-altering substances. People with an addiction may feel that their problems only come from the use of one particular substance, and they insist on the possibility of using another substance to still become high. They deny that it may be a problem or have a negative impact on their recovery. Or, they might argue that continuing to use a substance that did not pose the main problem in their addiction is OK. This, in turn, can lead to a relapse of their drug of choice.

Rationalizations may Look Like

“Sure, cocaine was a problem for me when I was clubbing. But this is only a glass of wine for dinner, there’s no danger in that.”

“I just had a problem with drinking. A little marijuana has never been an issue for me.”

“I got this prescription medicine from my doctor. A refill shouldn’t be a problem for me.”

Going Forward - Have a Plan!

Set up a plan for how you will cope when warnings of relapse creep into your life. How will you handle frustration, grief, and anger? What if some of your old friends contact you? In what situations are you most likely to make a mistake?