Recovery from addiction is not a straight line. Nearly everyone has slip-ups, setbacks, and relapses. Everyone has bad days when they feel like they can’t possibly last much longer in recovery. When these setbacks happen, whether it’s something relatively small like losing your temper or something more serious like a relapse, the important thing is to get back on track as quickly as possible and learn what you can from your mistakes so you don’t repeat them. However, this is easier said than done. In reality, we often make the same mistakes over and over. We might not even realize it, or we might think, “This time will be different.” If you keep making the same mistakes in addiction recovery, here are some ways to break the cycle.
Talk to a therapist.
The most direct way to break out of a cycle of repeating mistakes is to talk to a therapist. You may have already spent quite a bit of time in therapy as part of addiction treatment, but the challenges of recovery are always changing and new problems come to light. Our mistakes are often driven by motivations we’re not even aware of. A therapist can help you untangle whatever thinking is pushing you to make bad decisions.
Keep a journal.
People who specialize in decision making recommend you keep a journal. You can write about whatever is important to you. One practice you might want to include is to describe decisions you’re facing and write out your thought process when making a decision. It could be whether you want to break up with someone or start a new job. Writing down the relevant factors and what you hope to achieve with each decision will clarify your thinking, stop you from acting reflexively, and provide a record of past decisions to learn from.
Look for patterns.
Often, we are not aware of making mistakes. It’s only later we realize we took a wrong turn. When you find yourself in a bad place, think about what led you there. Who were you with? What were you thinking about? Were you stressed? Angry? Tired? Having more awareness of the factors that lead to bad decisions can help you make better decisions in the future.
Change a habit.
If you keep repeating a mistake, it may just be a matter of habit. Or it could be that a habit that isn’t particularly bad on its own is putting you in a position to repeat a mistake. Maybe your lunch break at work increases your chances of running into an old drinking buddy. You might try eating at a different time or eating somewhere else. Identify one habit that seems to cause problems and focus on changing it.
Practice mindfulness.
Practicing mindfulness, and especially mindfulness meditation, is an excellent way to get yourself out of autopilot. Many of our mistakes are reflexive. Practicing mindfulness allows you to take a moment and think about how your actions will affect you.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental illness, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
