Recognizing Relapse and What to Change

They say relapse happens long before you pick up that first drink or drug, and it’s often true. It’s extremely difficult to stay sober, but it’s definitely possible. No matter what your history with drugs or alcohol is, there are millions of people who have learned how to stay sober and live amazing lives, and many of them suffered from one or many relapses.

The key to relapse prevention is recognizing relapse and learning how to change what hasn’t worked in the past. Whether you’ve been to a treatment center or not, it’s important for your successful recovery that you actively recognize relapse so you can learn from your previous mistakes.

DON’T GIVE UP

Many people who have suffered from a relapse or multiple relapses feel very defeated and want to give up. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. While there are some people who manage to get sober and stay sober the first time around, this is not typically the case.

As an addict, your mind is trained to pick up a drink or drug when you experience different emotions or get into certain situations where your cravings are triggered, and it takes a long time for your brain to heal. If you do relapse, remember that it’s possible to get sober and stay sober, but you need to change what didn’t work from your past experiences.

RECOGNIZING RELAPSE AND BECOMING HUMBLE

Recognizing relapse from your past is one thing, but learning from your mistakes takes a lot of humility. Many addicts want to stay in their old ways once they leave treatment or have a little bit of time in sobriety, and it typically doesn’t turn out well. In order to stay sober, you must practice some humility and be willing to take suggestions from professionals at a reputable treatment center, as well as those who have more time in sobriety than you. This can be difficult at first because many addicts run purely off self-will, but you must remember that your best thinking is what brought you to your current situation. By taking suggestions and making changes, you’ll have a much better chance of avoiding relapse.

Whether you’ve suffered from a relapse or not, and if you’re in need of addiction treatment, allow Freedom From Addiction to help. We’re passionate about helping people on their path to sobriety, and we do this by providing a directory of qualified rehabilitation centers around the country.

There’s hope for you to live a better life free of drugs and alcohol, and we’d like to be there for you when you’re ready to go to treatment. Call Freedom From Addiction today at 1-866-319-6124 for more information.