After completing a treatment program, the hardest part is living sober and not falling back into old destructive patterns. Each day is a new opportunity at a sober life; it is also a new challenge to stay clean. Relapsing will often result in feelings of defeat, which can snowball into loss of hope and just start drug or alcohol abuse once again. A study done at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) showed that those who did not seek professional help with addiction were more likely to relapse. When it comes to differences between males and females, there are some real-world lessons that can be obtained for females working through sobriety and relapse.

Feeling Distant

Lacking confidence is a common occurrence for addicts. Many times, addicts have unresolved pain and depression which they try to hold down deep inside. When this pain isn’t properly addressed and treated, it can often manifest in lack of hope and end up forcing addicts to turn to substances to help with the pain. This also disturbs relationships among friends through unbalanced behavior patterns and instability.

You attend social functions and tell yourself that you can interact responsibly, only have one drink and take it slow, but it never ends up to be the case. One drink turns into two, three….ten. After this excess has been taken in, the amount of shame and disgrace you feel makes you revert back to hopelessness and keeps you down in the dark. You think to yourself, “Women don’t drink like this. It is a man’s disease.” The reality is, however, that there are over 2.7 million women that are struggling with addiction.

Even in a room full of kind faces, the addict feels lost on an island alone, which, in turn, leads them back to their substance of choice. As an addict, you feel emotional and as if no one understands what is going through your mind. Until you find healthy ways to handle these negative feelings and emotions, it is a never-ending cycle that won’t change.

Early Sobriety

The beginning stages of a sober life are very difficult for most, and women are no different. Emotions are still not ironclad and you’re still developing your inner strength. For women, relationships can be a means of validation. This can sometimes cause a female to end up in a toxic situation with another person. Even though you are working towards sober living, you may slip into relationships with others who are addicts, who are abusive, or who are emotionally unattached.

When this happens, women find themselves back in dangerous environments which will often sabotage their sobriety and cause them to relapse. Understanding that your sobriety and the strength that comes from it, and that relationships have to come after, is your number one priority and is an important realization that can help you stay on track. Until you are confident in yourself and your recovery, all relationships, from romantic to platonic, should be put on the back burner.

Build Confidence

Working Through Relapse as a Woman

It is important to believe in yourself and tell yourself you can do it: that you can overcome addiction and stay sober. You have the power to make the determination to reach your destination. One way to do so is to start thinking about the other healthy things in life that make you happy, the other activities that give you joy. Finding your passion in life and finding your love of life will help you navigate who you are and build your inner strength. It will also help you feel better internally, aiding in allowing you to love yourself again and hold a higher opinion about yourself.

The good news is that women are often more open to asking for help or taking it when offered. This allows them to have a better chance of getting a grip on their addiction and finding healing. There are many components to healing aside from just detoxing. Learning how to live again, learning how to love life again, improving coping abilities, and becoming internally strong and confident all take time and work. Even if you have relapsed, you need to know you are not a failure and you can overcome the addiction that plagues you.

Discovery Place is a tremendous place to find resources that can support your recovery. With a rehab facility that is located in the rolling countryside hills of Tenessee, the soothing and healing therapies and treatments can be just what you need to get on the right foot. We have a residential component, in addition to our long-term care program. Call us today at 1-800-725-0922 and get some more information about our programs. Our friendly team is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We want you to be successful in your recovery.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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