Many people who are years into sobriety will relapse. Why do you think this is? Well, there are many reasons. Some people believe they can drink again after they have been sober for a long time. Others stop working on their recovery, so they relapse. Some people in recovery will hit an obstacle and slip into a relapse. These are just some of the reasons people relapse years into sobriety. If you want to stay sober for the long haul, there are some ways you can avoid slipping into a relapse.
Believing You Can Drink Again Years After Being Sober
Alcoholics can never drink socially or casually. They just can’t do it. Yes, you may be able to do it once, twice, or a handful of times. However, in time, you will slip back into drinking far too much, getting drunk, and even blacking out again. This is just what happens. The chemicals in an alcoholic’s system just aren’t made to be drinking. Don’t let yourself believe that you can drink “just one”.
Stop Working Your Recovery
Never stop working your recovery. This doesn’t mean you have to go to meetings for a lifetime, although you can if you feel the need to do so. It just means you should always remember you are a recovering alcoholic. You must avoid alcoholic places, stay away from drunken parties, and keep up with the recovery mindset. This may mean writing in your journal, keeping in touch with your support network, or taking healthy time out for yourself. Never stop working your recovery.
Hitting Obstacles
Everyone is going to hit obstacles at some point in their life. This is just what happens. It is important to be prepared for when an obstacle comes your way. You don’t want to slip into a relapse because you get too stressed out or overwhelmed. Make sure you have a plan. This might be calling someone from your support network as soon as an obstacle comes your way. It might mean taking some “you time” before trying to overcome the obstacle. It could be writing out a step-by-step plan to overcome the obstacle. Don’t let obstacles ruin your recovery. You can prevent a relapse.
There are many reasons why someone years into sobriety might relapse. However, that doesn’t have to be the case for you. As you have just read, there are many ways you can avoid a relapse and stay sober. If you have already relapsed, don’t give up. You can get yourself back on track by calling 888-992-7955 to reach an alcohol rehab or drug rehab today. The detox centers and treatment programs will help you get back on track.
