October 6, 2021Tyler Collins
The question “Why Do I Always Relapse?” is one that many people ask themselves when they are trying to break the cycle of addiction. Why do you always relapse after a period of sobriety? Why do you struggle to stay away from something that is harmful to your health and well-being? Why can’t you just stop once and for all? In this blog post, we will explore 5 reasons why relapse occurs, as these answers may provide some insight into why it’s so hard to overcome addiction.
Your triggers are too close to home and they’re difficult to avoid.
One of the main causes of relapse is when you are surrounded by triggers that are too close for comfort. People who struggle with addiction can experience strong cravings when they’re in situations where triggers occur, like spending time with certain people (including family members), hanging out at the bar or party scene, and even going to public places that may remind you of a traumatic event from your past. Because these triggers are everywhere – it can make it difficult for you to avoid them.
To avoid relapse, it is then necessary to also identify these triggers and avoid them, especially in the early part of your recovery. It’s important that you develop a plan of action to address these triggers, which may include limiting your time with certain people or going out in public. By creating healthier boundaries and learning how to say no – this can help prevent relapse from occurring as it will be much easier for you to avoid the things that cause cravings.
You have not adopted a healthy routine.
Developing a routine is an important part of recovery, as it can help you get into a healthy pattern that replaces the unhealthy ones. In many cases, people who struggle with addiction have been engaging in addictive behaviors for so long that they’re not sure what else to do with their time. This is why establishing routines such as going to bed and waking up at a specific time can help in preventing relapse.
Habits are an important part of recovery, so it’s crucial that you learn how to establish healthy habits like sleeping and eating regular meals (including breakfast), exercising regularly (even if it is just for a few minutes each day), and practicing relaxation techniques. In developing a routine, it is essential to incorporate self-care activities that are relaxing and enjoyable, such as taking a bath or watching your favorite TV show. By focusing on activities that bring you joy, this can help prevent relapse from occurring.
Your life is too stressful and full of drama.
Stress and drama can be triggers for relapse, so it’s important to remove them from your life if you’re trying to avoid another trip back to rehab. People who struggle with addiction often turn towards substances or behaviors as a way of dealing with stress and other difficult emotions that they are experiencing in their lives such as anger, fear, sadness, etc.
While it is easier said than done, there are methods that you can adopt to deal with stress that can help you prevent relapse. For instance, you can use mindfulness techniques like yoga or meditation to cope with challenging emotions and practice relaxation activities such as deep breathing exercises when faced with stressful situations. Regular meditation has also been proven to help you lower your reaction to stress, which can, in turn, reduce cravings that may lead to relapse.
You have co-occurring mental disorders that were not addressed in your previous rehab.
A co-occurring disorder is a mental health condition that exists alongside addiction. Many people who struggle with substance abuse also suffer from anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder (and many other conditions). When these mental disorders go untreated, it can increase the risk of relapse as they will continue to exist even after you leave rehab.
It is then important to choose an addiction treatment center that will provide you with the proper treatment as well as the skills and coping strategies to address your mental health issues alongside addiction. By learning how to cope with both disorders, it can help reduce cravings that may lead to relapse in the future.
You don’t have enough support to fall back on when you need it the most.
Another major cause of relapse is the lack of support that you have when facing challenging circumstances. Most people who relapse feel that they are all alone in their struggles, which can become too much for them to handle. This is why it’s important that you develop a strong support network of friends and family members who understand your addiction and commitment to recovery.
You can also find support from the people in your AA or NA groups and from your rehabilitation center. At the Lighthouse, we have an Alumni Program that provides you with ongoing support throughout your recovery. Our goal is to foster fellowship amongst our alumni and to introduce sober and clean activities that they can enjoy in recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
