Tag: relapse

Dark photo of drugs on table with mans hand tensely gripping, close to relapse.

Why Do I Keep Relapsing?

If you have recently made the positive life choice to become sober, you might be surprised to learn how common relapses are. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40-60% of people in recovery experience one or more relapses. Relapses happen often, but there are some things you can try to prevent them.

Why Is It So Common to Have a Relapse?

One of the reasons it is so common to experience a relapse after getting sober is that addictions are extremely powerful and tend to cause lasting changes to the brain. For this reason, it is vital to understand the common relapse triggers, so you can do your best to avoid them.

Common Triggers That Can Lead to a Relapse

There are many different triggers that can contribute to an addiction relapse. Keep in mind that since everyone is different, a significant trigger for one person might not have the same kind of effect on you. However, having a general awareness of the most common triggers can help you figure out the best way to manage them.

Some common triggers include:

  • Stressful situations,
  • Toxic relationships,
  • Spending time with people still suffering from addiction,
  • Going to places connected with your former substance abuse routine,
  • Seeing a bottle of alcohol or item associated with your substance abuse.

Relapsing and Sober Living Homes

One of the best ways to help prevent a relapse is to live in a sober living community. Residents of sober living homes are required to stay sober. These communities provide residents with a structured environment that can help them stay on track and maintain their sobriety.

Tharros House is a sober living home for men located near Boston, Massachusetts. Call 617-249-1087 to learn more about what our sober living home can offer you.

Three people excited about living a sober life

Relapse Prevention Tips

Although you are committed to sobriety, you should prepare for some of the challenges ahead. Unfortunately, relapses are a relatively common setback. But just because relapses can happen—it doesn’t mean that it must happen to you.

1. Understand the Signs of a Relapse

One of the most critical steps you can take to avoid a relapse is to educate yourself on the signs of it. Knowing what to look for can help you recognize when you need help. Some common signs to watch for include:

  • Becoming defensive
  • Feelings of anger
  • Poor sleeping and eating habits
  • Isolating yourself
  • Mood swings
  • Lying about your behaviors or feelings
  • Spending time with friends with who you used to drink alcohol with
  • Fantasizing about drinking alcohol
  • Thinking about or planning to try using alcohol or drugs again in the future.

2. Fill Up Your Free Time

Another thing that you can do to help avoid a relapse is to find fun hobbies and activities to fill up your free time. When you are involved in many other things and have additional responsibilities, it makes it hard to slide back into old habits.

3. Continue to Attend Meetings and Support Group Sessions

After you have been sober for some time, you might start thinking that you don’t need to attend meetings and support group sessions that help sober individuals stay that way. Try to resist the urge to give up these meetings and support groups—as they can be helpful for long-term sobriety.

You can also consider a sober living home, where you reside with other sober people similar to you. Tharros House is a great place to continue living a sober lifestyle. Give us a call today to find out if it might be the right fit for you.