The 8 Absolutes Of Relapse Prevention

BY LYLE FRIED

A lot of people do well in treatment, but struggle tremendously in aftercare.

“I can’t believe I relapsed. I never even saw it coming.” These are the words of many who experience relapse. Whether you’ve said them yourself or are putting together a plan against potential relapse, here are 8 absolute truths that will help lay a solid foundation for successful sobriety:

1Relapse is not a ‘suddenly’. It is a process. You are not helpless against relapse. Every day you are either moving closer to it or farther away, depending on the choices you make.

2Relapse prevention is intentional. We do recover, but we must continue to work a program of recovery. We should never leave our sobriety to chance. Laying out a protected plan for ourselves is vital to our continued sobriety. Compromising here and there with people, places and things; just a little, just enough to justify, will eventually lead us down a path of destruction. Remember, a ship just a fraction of a degree off course will eventually end up miles from the intended destination.

3Fearless honesty with self. Self protection and denial are best friends. Instead of listening to the advice of our sponsor, our therapists, our recovery mentors and those closest to us, we choose the slippery slope of denial. When we begin to think we’ve ‘got it’ or that we don’t need others input in our lives, we are in a dangerous place. 4 Avoid high risk situations. Have you gradually started surrounding yourself with people you used with? Are you getting closer and closer to the fire? Do you have a desire to ‘prove to yourself’ you’ll be okay around the substances that used to control your life? If you ask yourself these questions honestly, you already know the answer.

5Cultivate a positive mindset. So many people struggle and relapse because they are coming from a negative mindset. “Why can’t I drink like other people? Why can’t I use successfully?” are the questions they won’t stop asking. On the other hand, those who flourish in sobriety have cultivated a love of being sober. They realize the beauty of the world around them and they want to experience it with 100% clarity. Sobriety is the higher life. It is the good life and they know it.

6Avoid isolation. Isolation is your worst enemy in recovery. Building a positive support network of people who don’t engage in substance use and are supportive of your sober lifestyle is key. Engaging in fun, sober activities on a regular basis will help develop healthy habits that will lead to a healthy lifestyle.

7Have a healthy schedule. Developing a healthy routine starts with a schedule. Structure creates a safe environment, which is especially helpful when unexpected temptations pop up. A schedule can help you run on autopilot, making proper choices out of habit, without the struggle.

8Relapse prevention involves spirituality. Lastly, when we are spiritually fit, we are able to turn over our problems, our lives, our schedules, and most importantly, our will over to the care of God. We realize His plans are better than our own, and we rely on His leading throughout our days.

If you do relapse, don’t fall into shame and view it as the ultimate failure. It is this type of thinking that will keep you sick. Instead, take a look at what happened and use the event to help build a stronger foundation. Keep working your program of recovery, and know that your life has a beautiful purpose.