Picture this: After months of dedicated sobriety, life finally feels like it’s falling into place. You start inviting friends for coffee, attending 12-step meetings religiously, and showing up to work consistently. You feel proud of your progress. Yet, despite this newfound stability, you find yourself slipping back into old habits, leaving everyone around you puzzled. While it may seem inexplicable, our article will unravel 10 common reasons why addicts relapse just when everything seems to be going well.
Need help dealing with a relapse? Call La Fuente at 888.903.9898.
Understanding Addiction and Relapse
Before we explore why addicts relapse when things are going well, it’s important to recognize just how common relapses are. Numerous clinical studies have found that more than two-thirds of people who start addiction treatment experience a relapse within weeks or months of beginning the program. Additionally, over 85% of people relapse and return to drug use within the first year after treatment ends.
These studies make it clear: relapses are both frequent and expected. While this reality is difficult to accept, it highlights the chronic and complex nature of substance use disorders. For that reason, it’s more accurate to view recovery as a cycle with periods of remission and relapse, rather than an upward, linear path.
Although relapses are expected, we shouldn’t overlook the warning signs leading up to them. Understanding why relapses occur empowers substance users to intervene before the situation gets worse. With this objective in mind, we’ve curated a list of 10 common reasons why people relapse, even when everything appears to be going well.
10 Reasons Why Addicts Relapse When Things Are Good
1. To avoid withdrawal symptoms
Understanding substance use involves recognizing that its effects often occur internally, hidden from view. While someone may seem to be improving outwardly, they could be struggling with withdrawal symptoms internally.
Here, it’s important to distinguish between acute withdrawal, which involves immediate physical symptoms like nausea and sweating, and post-acute withdrawal, which primarily manifests as psychological and emotional symptoms such as brain fog and mood swings. These lingering symptoms can last for weeks or months. This can lead to a relapse as people try to avoid discomfort.
2. Co-occurring mental health issues
Individuals with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder compared to those without such conditions. Without treatment and ongoing support, these conditions can lead to a relapse as individuals turn to substances to alleviate discomfort.
3. Boredom or isolation
One of the main features of addiction is that it involves spending a lot of time pursuing, using, and recovering from the substance. Once that’s taken away, newly sober people suddenly have more free time, which can lead to boredom or feelings of isolation. This idle time may tempt individuals to use substances again to cope with their thoughts and emotions.
Furthermore, transitioning to a calmer lifestyle after the chaos of addiction can be tough. Without the excitement and adrenaline rush of their past life, sober individuals may long for adventure and reminisce about their former experiences, increasing the likelihood of relapse.
4. Lack of awareness
Understanding thoughts, feelings, and triggers is vital for a successful recovery. Without awareness of what may lead to drug abuse, people may fall prey to these triggers, even during good times.
5. Relying on willpower alone
It’s not uncommon for individuals struggling with substance use to attend treatment and achieve temporary abstinence through sheer willpower. They may appear to have their lives back on track, but without ongoing recovery efforts, they risk neglecting underlying issues. Eventually, feeling confident in their newfound stability, they may self-sabotage or convince themselves it’s okay to resume drinking or drug use. This misconception often leads to relapse, underscoring the importance of sustained recovery efforts beyond mere abstinence.
6. Overconfidence
After enduring years of addiction and embarking on a positive recovery journey, many newly sober individuals feel assured they’ll never relapse. While it’s important to be confident in recovery, it’s equally vital to acknowledge that relapse can affect anyone. Whether it’s a fleeting moment, a triggering thought, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the risk is real.
Therefore, it’s crucial not to become overly confident or complacent. Achieving a balance between self-assurance and a realistic understanding of the recovery process is key to preventing relapse, especially during times of positivity.
7. Self-sabotaging
Many individuals battling substance abuse also struggle with low self-esteem. When people have deep-seated doubts about whether or not they deserve a fulfilling life, they risk spiraling back into substance use as a coping mechanism.
8. External triggers
Triggers can be grouped into two main categories: social triggers, involving specific people or social settings, and environmental triggers, such as locations or times of the day. Failing to recognize and address either type can increase the risk of relapse.
9. Lack of self-care
Self-care is crucial in addiction recovery, as it influences how people perceive and prioritize their well-being. Engaging in proper self-care fosters a positive self-image and sends a message of self-worth. Conversely, neglecting self-care can signal a disregard for well-being and may trigger a relapse. For instance, inadequate sleep hygiene can contribute to irritability, stress, and low mood, increasing the risk of relapse.
10. Unrealistic expectations
Setting unrealistic expectations often leads to disappointment, which can increase the risk of relapse. It’s more beneficial to establish new, realistic expectations and recognize the importance of support during tough times. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and success depends on prioritizing the rebuilding of healthy relationships and maintaining balance, one day at a time.
How to Handle a Relapse
Experiencing a relapse can feel like a setback in your recovery journey. However, it’s important to recognize that it doesn’t diminish your strength or dedication to sobriety.
Here are a few tips if you or a loved one encounters a relapse:
- Ask for help: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals who understand your situation. Having someone to talk to can provide comfort and guidance during this difficult time.
- Participate in support groups: Joining groups like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous can offer valuable support and perspective. Knowing you’re not alone in your struggles can foster a sense of belonging and understanding.
- Develop a relapse prevention plan: Work with a therapist or counselor to create a personalized relapse prevention plan. This plan will help you identify triggers, plan appropriate responses, and take proactive steps in case of a relapse.
- Transform it: See a relapse as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Reflect on what led to the relapse and use that insight to reinforce your coping mechanisms in the future.
La Fuente Is Here to Help You Through Relapses
Not all relapses are the same. Some individuals may experience a brief slip before seeking help and regaining sobriety. Others may face a relapse that lasts several days, weeks, or even months. If you find yourself in the latter group, then seeking professional help may be necessary.
La Fuente’s LGBTQ-focused rehab center is here to support you if that’s the case. Our inpatient and outpatient programs are designed to provide comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs. Additionally, our alumni program offers ongoing support and resources to help you maintain long-term sobriety. Through this program, you’ll have access to a supportive community, sober events, and job networking opportunities.
Find out more about La Fuente’s inpatient and outpatient programs by calling 888.903.9898.
