Common Reasons Why People Relapse

There are so many factors that go into successful recovery from addiction. In fact, there can be such a long list of circumstances that a person needs to have to stay sober that most experts know a person is going to relapse at least once in their recovery. Those who go through detoxification and begin their recovery, even if they have a strong commitment to change, might still relapse because of old coping patterns, familiar environments, and unhealthy thinking. 

Research shows that 85% of those in treatment for addiction will relapse at least once.

This articles includes this information not to give a person an excuse to relapse. Rather, it's meant to help a person recognize that relapse is common and that there's no need to beat yourself up for relapsing, if you have. Instead, relapse can be seen as a learning experience (recognizing what might have contributed to the relapse) and as an opportunity to boost recovery in the areas where it needs strengthening.

Here is a list of the circumstances that can commonly contribute to relapse: 

·         still feeling hooked by the glamour of drugs and alcohol

·         feeling afraid that life will be boring without drugs and alcohol

·         identifying with being an addict or a rebel

·         level of maturity

·         not hitting rock bottom yet - not yet understanding the seriousness of addiction

·         spending time with friends or peers after or during treatment who are still drinking or using drugs

·         weak networks of support

·         having an underlying psychological illness

·         unresolved trauma

·         beginning drug use early in life or having a long history of substance use

·         poor coping skills

·         abusing multiple forms of substances

·         not knowing how to live a sober life

If a person relapses, the benefit of the experience is exploring which of the above factors might have contributed to it. As mentioned above, once a person can identify the reason behind the relapse, he or she can then take the steps to prevent relapse in the future. Typically, learning new coping mechanisms, healing unresolved issues, and creating strong support networks can facilitate sobriety. In most cases, however, recovering addicts need professionals in their life. They need to be working with a therapist (ideally one that specializes in addiction), a doctor (to ensure a safe and healthy detox), and possibly a psychiatrist if there are also psychological illnesses present. Support group as well as 12-step meetings can also help a person feel strong in their sobriety.

If you or someone you know is struggling in their recovery, contact a mental health provider. You might also attend 12-step meetings more frequently, get a sponsor, and begin work with a therapist. Therapy can help resolve early trauma as well as address poor coping tools.

Although relapse is common, it's doesn't have to be frequent. In fact, ultimately the goal is to have sobriety take the place of relapse in your recovery vocabulary.