After going through therapy and making recovery, you may feel as if you are on the top of the world. You may feel successful, proud, happy, and simply unstoppable, and this is by no means bad. But at the same time, some recovering aspects can become overconfident and ignore the possibility of relapse.

Any prior addict is capable of falling into relapse, but there are precautions and signs to watch out for to prevent it. These can be simple habits you pick up after recovery or falling into traps like the “just one drink” mindset.

No matter how well your recovery goes, it is important to uphold realistic expectations. Very few individuals escape addiction without temptations or the looming potential of relapse. In fact, victims of substance abuse tend to deal with relapse after recovery 40 to 60 percent of the time. By knowing the warning signs, you can avoid the troubles of addiction altogether.

Becoming Too Relaxed

A common way addicts fall into relapse is by becoming too comfortable and negligent post-recovery. Many often falsely believe that successfully graduating from rehab and recovery means you no longer have anything to worry about. In other cases, former addicts think that because they have tools or strategies, they absolutely will not relapse.

This negligence, however, can lead to poor decision making that leads to poor choices and ultimately, relapse. You may go back to drinking or smoking habits briefly, lead by the “just one more” mentality. Perhaps you may abandon important routines such as therapy and meetings, believing you no longer need them.

Ignoring Stress

Stress is a concept most addicts are familiar with and one of the most prevalent causes of drug and alcohol addiction. High stress can come from work, tragic events family life, dating life, and other relationships. Rehabilitation can allow for time away from these stressful elements, but in turn, can make adjusting back difficult.

When exposed to stress again, some may try to ignore it and feign happiness. Doing so and not properly addressing stress however can sometimes lead back to a relapse. Because you may have begun substance abuse to handle stress, it can be tempting to turn back to it again.

If you find you deal with a lot of stress post-recovery, you should address it in therapy or support circles for help. This is especially important with negative life events such as the death of a loved one, serious injuries, or medical diagnosis.

Major Changes in Life and Habits

Change of any kind in your life or daily habits can bring not only stress but anxiety and uncertainty. Some people prefer consistent routines, and changing them—for better or worse—can turn their world upside down.

These habits can be changes in diet, hygiene, exercise, work habits, and—most importantly—a life without drugs. While adopting them is imperative and not a sign of relapse, abandoning them is. Many of these habits are adopted from therapy, but suddenly dropping them can be an impending sign of relapse.

Overall, maintaining discipline is one of the biggest key factors in avoiding relapse. By staying dedicated to your new routines, sobriety, maintaining stress levels, and staying connected with others, you may never relapse. Though it may always remain a possibility, handling your recovery responsibly can make a difference.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, contact a local Treatment & Rehab alternative in Tennessee. You might be interested in Discovery Place’s own treatment center alternatives, such as our 30 Day Residential Addiction Alternative Recovery Program or our Long Term Alternative Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Contact us for a free consultation at 1-800-725-0922.

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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