Is Relapse Around the Corner?

Is Relapse Around the Corner?

Relapse doesn’t happen suddenly or without warning. Usually, the telltale signs are there, but you don’t know what to look for. This type of ignorance is not bliss and can bring on relapse.

Relapse Warning Signs

1. Isolation
   n you are on the verge of a relapse, you will begin to withdraw from people and will prefer isolation. This happens when you don’t want to hear the truth from others. You are justifying your drinking and your support system doesn’t approve or support it. If you isolate yourself, there’s no one holding you accountable and you dive into drinking.
2. Overconfidence
   You’ve been doing well in your recovery, but when you get too cocky, you feel like you don’t need any help or you’re cured. You may stop attending meetings, seeing your therapist and start drinking again. Don’t fool yourself; the truth is you do need help.
3. Stress
   Everyone is affected by stress. However, if the stress becomes overwhelming, poor coping skills can send you back to drinking.
4. Glorifying the good old days
   You may remember the time you were drinking differently than what it was. Walking down memory lane can be detrimental if you romanticize about your drinking days.
5. Unrealistic goals
   By setting unrealistic goals, you are setting yourself up to fail. For example, never having cravings is just not reality. When you end up not attaining the goal, negative thoughts and feelings set in. This can be disastrous for your recovery.
6. Dwelling
   You’ve made mistakes in the past; everyone has. Dwelling on these mistakes can stir up negative thoughts and feelings or bring on triggers.
7. Denial
   It’s OK to admit that you need help or that you are on shaky ground in your recovery. However, telling people that everything is OK and you don’t need any help is not helping. You will end up feeling overwhelmed and alone.

Relapse Happened…Now What?

Relapse happens sometimes. It’s important to take it seriously but not beat yourself up for it. Taking the right steps after a relapse is necessary for success in your recovery.

5 Steps to Get Back on Track

1. Get help
   Seek treatment from an outpatient rehab program.
2. Establish a relapse prevention plan
   With your therapist, establish a relapse prevention plan. Being prepared for the next time you feel on shaky ground in your recovery can help you avoid relapse.
3. Connect with your support system
   Chances are you separated yourself from the positive people around you. Reconnect with these people; they will help you get back on track of your recovery. Avoid people who you used to drink with or who don’t support your sobriety.
4. Attend AA meetings
   No one knows your situation better than the people at AA meetings. Remember they are all in recovery as well and have gone through similar situations, including relapse. With the support in numbers, you will be back where you want to be.
5. Set realistic goals
   Stop setting unrealistic goals; it never ends well. If you are realistic with your goals, you will have a greater chance of attaining them. This builds your strength and confidence.

Getting the help and support you need from a drug rehab program, support system and

meetings gets you back on the road to recovery. There are always setbacks in life, but what counts is what you do about it.