Coming Back to Recovery

Coming back to recovery after a relapse can be difficult. Often times people feel so ashamed and are so full of disappointment and fear that they don’t ever make it back. You may be treated differently by those in your life. Some have stated they felt like they were treated like a criminal. Surviving a relapse is, in itself, something to build off on in hope of moving past it. The truth is there may not be a next time for some. Make the most of your efforts by applying yourself and preparing for the journey with better tools, support and perspective.

Plugging Back Into Recovery

Relapse can hit you like a ton of bricks and come out of nowhere. There are moments when people are fresh out of a successful rehab program that they see themselves recovered and don’t take the necessary post treatment actions to maintain the steps they took during recovery. Quickly things begin to fall apart or the stresses of life begin to creep back in and you may not be prepared to handle the wave of emotions that seem to be crashing in. This is when it is important to brace yourself, reach out for help, talk with your support group and take action. It may be necessary to consider entering treatment again or to plug yourself back into a program of recovery as soon as possible. It may seem difficult at first and the fear of having to start all over again can feel terrifying. The road to recovery is not walked alone. There is help waiting behind the doors you may feel are too heavy to push open but if you make the effort, you may realize the doors have been open the whole time.

Lots of Time Away from Recovery?

After having years of sobriety to work with and the successes of life that it can bring, you may find yourself coming back to recovery after a slip up. This is ok. It’s all about progress, not perfection. Mistakes will be made but what is important is to keep coming back. To keep reaching out and asking for help, guidance and support to get you back on your feet. The results can be measured by accounting for all the good things in your life that have come from getting sober. The things you are grateful for should be written down and identified as a reminder of your hard work for when the next temptation may strike, you can see what you have gained by resisting such temptation. Showing yourself in recovery after spending significant time away may be uncomfortable and even foreign if you have stepped away from the process that got you into sobriety but it should quickly show itself to be helpful and welcoming once you come back to recovery. There is a satisfying feeling knowing you are in the right place and sometimes it just takes the first few steps of getting back in the door and recognizing where you have been, where you are now and where you want to go.

Chronic Relapse in Recovery

For those who experience chronic relapse, which has been referred to as a phenomenon known as “revolving door syndrome”, it can begin to take a toll on your health, not to mention cause trouble in your life and others. These people are either not fully committed to a sober life or find it hard to resist the temptations they may still be facing. Coming back to recovery early into sobriety might come easier for some than coming back after years of clean time under their belt or vice versa. Coming back repeatedly can carry with it the feelings of failure, humiliation and perhaps lost hope. Don’t think of it this way, we are only human. It’s always an opportunity to reflect on what didn’t work and what did when you come back to recovery. It can offer insight into what needs to be changed to have a better chance at the next time. It can be done! Think of relapse as a stepping stone to get you to your final destination. Recharge yourself and take the appropriate actions with more honest, willingness and respect the process.