Recovery from addiction can be a lifelong journey and sobriety is not always guaranteed even after years of treatment and sobriety. The reality is that people can relapse even after they have been through treatment and lived sober for years, even decades. The risk for relapsing may drop significantly after five years of sobriety but relapse is always a possibility in recovery, and those who acknowledge relapse as a part of recovery can take steps to prevent it.
Factors Contributing to Relapse After Years of Sobriety
When someone relapses after a long period of sobriety it often is due to changes in their habits. They may have stopped doing the activities and engaging in the regular routine that kept them sober. It is said that complacency sets in, even if all things are going well. Part of the problem with straying from your sober routine is that the same triggers are always there and people can still cave in during moments of vulnerability.
People can still have the risk for relapse after many years often because they may become less active in their recovery. Some former addicts may think that after many years of sobriety, their habits have changed and that they are more in control.
Let’s dive deep into the root cause of the relapse after years of sobriety:
Complacency in Recovery:
People in recovery become comfortable in their recovery efforts and forget the importance of their sobriety over time. You are more likely to relapse when you skip meetings, neglect self-care routines, or ignore the value of ongoing support. This may lead to a relapse and a return to the old habits and behaviors that led to the addiction in the first place. So it is very important to be proactive and vigilant to avoid a relapse.
Untreated Emotional Issues:
Stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma don’t automatically disappear when you become sober. It is important to treat these issues with the help of professionals in order to reduce the risk of relapse.
Environmental triggers:
An environmental factor such as connecting with old friends who still use substances can cause relapse. Visiting places where alcohol is present or dealing with a stressful condition can also trigger cravings. So, it is important to create a healthy and supportive environment that keeps you motivated to stay away from addiction.
Overconfidence:
Other common reasons for relapse is overconfidence in the long-term success of your recovery. People believe that they are capable of handling any situation that once led to substance abuse. By staying vigilant about potential triggers and staying aware can help you maintain sobriety.
Recognizing Signs of Relapse and Taking Action
The good news is that if someone relapses even after years of sobriety, they can still get back on track. When relapse occurs it is important to start going back to support groups and AA meetings as soon as possible. With relapsing, returning to rehab will be the best way to get healthy and sober so that you can minimize the damage and prevent things from progressing.
Here’s a detailed look at how to spot early warning signs and what actions to take if you notice them.
Emotional Relapse:
- Mood Swings and Irritability:
If you experience emotional instablity then its one of the early signs of relapse. Some indications of emotional imbalance include sudden mood swings, increased irritability, or prolonged periods of sadness. Recognizing these early signs of relapse can help you stay sober. In some cases you can ask for professional help. - Isolation from Support Networks:
Red flags include staying away from support groups, therapy sessions, or loved ones. Isolation can lead to negative thought patterns and reduce accountability. - Neglecting Self-Care:
If a person is facing emotional issues then he might ignore personal hygiene, skip meals, get poor sleep, or not engage in activities that bring joy. There is a possibility that this could trigger a relapse if it’s not addressed.
Mental Relapse:
- Glorifying Past Use:
The romanticization of past substance abuse could include thinking about the positive experience, people, places, and things associated with the addiction. It is a sign that a person is suffering from mental relapse and is about to begin consuming drugs. - Cravings:
The moment you think about or feel a craving for the substance, you have already mentally relapsed. Take immediate action to address the condition by seeking professional help. - Justifying or Negotiating:
When one justifies the use of substances just once or believes that one can control their use, it is a warning sign of relapse into mental illness. Even if you have not relapsed but feel the need to recommit and make recovery a priority in your life, returning to treatment is the best solution to continue your recovery journey.
