The road to recovery is a life-long journey. Relapsing is an addict’s greatest threat to achieving sobriety. While addiction treatment can significantly help support an individual’s recovery journey, treatment does guarantee long-lasting sobriety. Unfortunately, some recovering addicts may relapse, even if things appear to be going well. In this article, you’ll learn more about why addicts relapse when things are good.
At East Coast Recovery, we are a top-rated recovery center in Massachusetts committed to helping you receive the tailored addiction treatment and mental health care you need. We offer unique recovery treatment to help meet your specific recovery needs. Whether you are struggling with alcohol addiction, heroin addiction, or a dual diagnosis, we offer a wide range of addiction treatment options so you can receive the right care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.
5 Reasons Addicts May Relapse When Things Are Good
Research suggests 40-60% of people treated for substance use disorders relapse. This staggering statistic showcases that addiction recovery and achieving sobriety is a life-long journey. Below are various reasons why addicts relapse when things are good.
Wrongly Assume They Can “Handle” Abusing Drugs in Moderation
One of the first reasons why addicts relapse when things are good is they wrongly assume they can “handle” abusing drugs in moderation. Therefore, some may attempt to drink or abuse drugs occasionally; however, once they try to drink or abuse drugs in moderation they not only relapse but quickly go right back to abusing and falling dependent upon drugs and alcohol.
Struggle to Fight Off Triggers or Cravings
Another reason addicts may relapse when things are good is because it is difficult to fight off triggers and cravings. No matter how far along in your recovery journey you are, chances are you’ll still face triggers and cravings at some point. This is why having healthy coping strategies in place and a support system you can lean on is critical so you can resist the urge to fall back into abusing drugs and alcohol.
Lack of Purpose or Excitement in Their Life
Some people may also feel a lack of purpose or excitement in their lives after becoming sober. Because so many changes have occurred in their life once getting clean, some people in recovery may believe that they can abuse some drugs or alcohol in their life to bring about a sense of entertainment in their lives. However, doing so not only causes you to relapse, but you’ll quickly find yourself dependent on drugs and alcohol.
Being Surrounded by Friends or Family Who Abuse Drugs
Who you surround yourself with matters. If you are surrounded by friends and/or family members who abuse drugs, this increases your risk of abusing drugs too. Therefore, even if you’ve been sober for a long time if you continue to be around negative influences in your life that still abuse drugs and alcohol, this can trigger your urge to abuse drugs and thus increase your risk of relapsing.
An Untreated Mental Illness Can Increase Risk of Relapse
Finally, failing to address and seek treatment for a mental illness during your recovery can also increase your risk of relapsing. If you are struggling with a co-occurring disorder, which is when you struggle with both a substance use disorder and mental illness, it’s important to seek treatment for both conditions at the same time. Otherwise, failure to treat your mental illness can increase your risk of relapsing post-treatment.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about why addicts relapse when things are good. The reality is many recovering addicts do relapse. This is why it’s essential to understand addiction recovery is a life-long journey. You should never be afraid to ask for help– before, during, or after addiction treatment. There are many treatment programs for you wherever you are on your road to recovery.
At East Coast Recovery, we are here to help you lead a healthier, happier life. No more suffering with your drug addiction. Our compassionate team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals are here to help you every step of the way so you can receive the personalized care you need to lead a healthier life. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!
