Returning to recovery after a relapse can feel overwhelming. It’s common to feel embarrassed facing those you had promised to stay sober. Remember, you are not alone; relapse can happen in recovery. While you can’t control how others will react, being aware of certain warning signs might help you avoid a difficult restart and potentially deadly relapse.
1. Mental Health: Are you experiencing increased anxiety or depression? These feelings can be challenging to cope with, especially in the early stages of learning how to manage a sober life.
2. Toxic Relationships: One of the significant challenges in getting sober is changing your social circle. If you spend time with people who still use substances, you’re at greater risk of relapse. It’s crucial to build new, supportive relationships with those who are also committed to sobriety.
3. Inconsistency: Missing appointments or failing to stick to daily routines may indicate a potential relapse. A healthy routine helps keep your focus off using and provides a sense of control.
4. Neglecting Self-Care: If you find yourself frequently opting for unhealthy food choices or skipping basic hygiene practices, it’s a red flag. Maintaining healthy eating habits, good hygiene, and consistent self-care is essential for nurturing a positive mindset that supports sobriety.
5. Complacency: Do you feel stuck or stagnant in your recovery? A lack of growth can lead to missteps, as being sober requires ongoing investment in personal development and self-awareness.
6. Rationalizing: If you’re justifying past behaviors from your time before sobriety, you might convince yourself that you don’t have a problem. Deep down, you know the truth, but your mind may try to make excuses for using again.
7. Resentment: Resentment is a heavy burden. Holding onto grudges is akin to drinking poison and hoping someone else suffers the consequences. Learning to cope with these feelings can protect you from slipping back into old habits.
8. Impulsivity: Are you reacting strongly to stress without thinking? This pattern could jeopardize your mental well-being and sobriety. If you struggle to pause and consider your responses, likely, you’ll also struggle to pause before using substances.
9. Victim Mentality: If you find yourself frequently feeling sorry for yourself, it may be a sign that you’re avoiding accountability for your actions. Life can be tough, but seeing yourself as a victim will only lead you back to where you started.
10. Defensiveness: Do you feel constantly criticized and find yourself defending your actions? Instead of becoming defensive, try to understand the feedback you’re receiving. Ignoring constructive criticism can contribute to the issues mentioned above and increase the risk of relapse.
Although relapse is common, it’s crucial to recognize that it can result in severe consequences, including death or incarceration. While this may sound dramatic, the reality of active addiction is dangerous, not just for you, but for others as well. Many individuals who drove while intoxicated and caused fatal accidents likely never thought it would happen to them.
Lastly, it’s essential to consider this warning: many people who relapsed after getting sober died because they returned to using the same amount of substances as when they quit. This behavior has led to numerous overdoses and related deaths. Stay mindful of your journey and the signs that can help you maintain your sobriety.