Whether a recovering addict has been sober for 2 weeks or 2 years, a relapse can be a devastating experience. Emotions such as shame, fear, inadequateness, and disappointment can easily take over and this can ultimately lead to reverting back to the full blown addiction. That is why it is so important for you to seek help and support if you do in fact relapse, as soon as you possibly can. Relapsing is more common than many addicts may think and it is not something that you should be ashamed about. In fact, relapse gives you an opportunity to learn so much about yourself and your disease; a chance which you may have never had without the relapse.
As a psychotherapist specializing in addiction treatment, I encounter many clients battling a relapse. It’s no secret – we live in a stressful society. A down economy, rising costs, family pressures, and job obligations can overpower even the strongest of individuals. This kind of day-to-day stress without having the proper coping tools is a common trigger for relapse. Additionally, now that you have stopped taking mild altering substances or stopped engaging in mild altering behaviours, you will begin to have to actually face your feelings and emotions, something you are not used to doing. Although therapy will help you learn how to deal with these feelings in a healthy way, it can take a little while for that to happen. Until that time, these uncomfortable emotions can be the trigger for a relapse.
If a relapse does occur, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t equal failure. Experiencing a relapse means that you should re-enter a treatment plan to better learn how to cope with and overcome your cravings, as well as identify underlying issues. While in treatment after a relapse, you should also make strong efforts to find activities you enjoy doing. Whether it’s reading, exercising, crafting, or other hobbies, recovering addicts need to engage in healthy recreational and relaxing activities. Think about some of the hobbies you used to have which have fallen to the waste side because of your addiction. Now is the time to take them up again and live the life you once knew. You have gone to great lengths to give up some of the destructive activities which you used to engage in to make you feel “better”. You need to replace those behaviours with behaviours and activities that will actually benefit you.
No matter what stage an addict is in the treatment process, it’s important to know that recovery from addiction is a life-long journey, not a destination. If you surround yourself with a network of supporters, celebrate small victories, and make a strong self-commitment, you will be well-prepared for a path to successful sobriety.
