Sometimes we view our relapses as evidence of our failure. We believe that because we weren’t successful with our recovery this time, we won’t ever be. Sometimes we use a relapse as an excuse to start actively using again. Bouncing back after a relapse means taking inventory of where you got off track, identifying what triggered you and what caused you to undermine your own progress, and figuring out how to prevent the same from happening again. Be patient and compassionate with yourself while you’re figuring it all out. Addiction is painful, and so is relapse. Try not to beat yourself up or criticize yourself too harshly. Remember that you’re human and none of us is perfect. Understand that relapse does not mean the end of recovery, it’s a part of the recovery process. Rather than seeing it as a failure on your part, or as evidence of your weakness or your inability to recover, choose to see it instead as a challenge to overcome. Your relapse can be seen as a spiritual test of your strength, courage, resilience and determination. When we relapse, it’s as if we’re being asked, by our inner voice and our higher power, “How much do you really want to recover? How far will you go to get your life back? How much harder will you try to get better? How much does your sobriety mean to you? What will you do for your wellbeing and that of the people you care about?” How we answer these questions helps determine if we will be successful in recovery. Do we choose to keep going, get back on the wagon, and take it one day at a time? Or do we give up hope and resign ourselves as addicts who simply can’t recover, who are doomed to fail? Every step we take can make all the difference. Reach out for help. Support is surrounding you, you just have to be open to receiving and accepting it. Seek out help from your therapist, support group, sponsor, mentors, and loved ones. There is strength and power in letting yourself be vulnerable and in having enough humility to allow others to help you. Be honest with yourself and the people in your life. Lying will only push you deeper into the hole you’ve fallen into. Honesty will help you dig yourself back out. It takes courage to be honest with ourselves about our mistakes and our regrets, and it is a testament to our fortitude and resilience when we can face the truth head on rather than burying it with denial, avoidance and escapism.
We can be part of your support system. We offer aftercare programs to help with relapse prevention. Call 1-888-986-7848 for more information.
