Physical Relapse (and How to Get Back on the Horse)

Physical relapse is the last part in the process, so I guess this would be THE EVENT. Once you start thinking about relapse, if you don’t use some of the turnaround skills I talked about in emotional and mental relapse, it doesn’t take long to go from there to physical relapse. Driving to the liquor store. Sitting at the bar. Driving to your dealer. All those familiar places we go to change the way we feel.

It’s hard to stop the process of relapse at that point. If you haven’t made a call or reached out to your support group prior, then the plan is in motion. It’s not too late though even, if only, the smallest part of you is fighting back. Remember, when we pick up, it’s not where we left off, but like we never stopped. As we get older we all know we have one last “run” in us but, not sure if we have another recovery. That’s the split-second decision making that needs to be made to spare yourself from pain and misery. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to hold your “bottom” close to the front of your head. Remembering the abyss is exactly what will keep you out of it.

What to Do If You’ve Relapsed

1. Forgive Yourself

This may be the hardest part of getting over a relapse, but without forgiveness, it will be difficult to break the self-destructive cycle. Letting go and letting God will provide freedom and peace to continue your recovery. Besides, mistakes are teachable moments and further evidence you are trying.

2. Talk to and Spend Time with Support Group.

Rather than continuing to hang out with your friends who use, call a sponsor or a sober friend and make plans. If you feel comfortable, talk through the reasons for your relapse and discuss what you can do differently in the future to avoid the same thing happening again.

3. Allow Yourself to Feel the Emotions

Relapse often results in emotions such as guilt, shame, and frustration, which are not enjoyable emotions, but are necessary to understand. Continuing to bury your feelings will likely result in using again so it is vital to let yourself feel and to validate those feelings. It doesn’t make you weak to cry or ask to talk to someone. It’s a smart move if you care about your recovery.

4. Don’t Isolate

Even though the last thing you probably want to do is spend time with friends who don’t quite understand what you’re going through, make the plans anyway. Spending time alone will result in feelings of isolation which can often lead to another relapse.

Though a relapse can be daunting, there is always a way back to sobriety and recovery. Sometimes it may seem like a long road, but that’s when one day at a time comes into play.

Safe Haven Recovery is a boutique Florida Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center located in Miami, FL. We specialize in Suboxone Maintenance & Detox, along with, Couples Addiction Treatment. Call us today at 866-447-4650.

About the Author

Matthew Koenig is a freelance writer and principal of Last Call Marketing which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, SEO and Social Engagement. Concentrated in addiction recovery, Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.

#addictionrelapse #addictionrecovery #SafeHavenRecovery