Knowing ‘The Big Three’ to Avoid a Relapse

Understanding what relapse means and what a recovering alcoholic or drug addict can do in order to prevent a relapse is an important step when overcoming addiction. A relapse is when a recovering addict, either from drugs or alcohol, takes that first drink or uses drugs after being clean for a period of time. People can usually go back in time and recall thoughts, that they may have had or events that may have occurred, that led up to the point of a relapse.

Relapse is usually a combination of factors and it must be remembered that each individual person’s reasons for relapsing will vary. Relapsing will inevitably lead back to an excessive use of alcohol or drugs. If an alcoholic’s liver was damaged due to drinking, when he or she relapses it can cause scar tissue and the level of damage cannot be repaired. A relapse is a serious problem for those recovering from addiction, but it is preventable. It is important for a recovering addict to learn what may cause a relapse and how to prevent a relapse from happening.

‘The Big Three’

Internal feelings and Emotions

A recovering addict may experience emotions such as anger, boredom, grief, loneliness, hate, sadness, and depression. They may search for a relief of theses emotions through the use of drugs or alcohol. There can also be feelings of good emotions such as happiness, excitement, high self confidence, etc. Sometimes these positive feelings will come from a reward or celebration. Being distracted by excitement, without thinking, a person may relapse. To avoid these emotions are not easy and nearly impossible. So a person should realize what their ‘dangerous’ emotions are, in other words what feelings make them want to drink or use drugs.

Once the dangerous emotions are recognized, a person must realize that these are separate issues from drinking and using drugs. They are part of being human and everyone experiences these emotions. Once a person can see these emotions as being separate issues, trying to find a way to deal with and express these feelings in a sober and healthy way is of key importance. A few things that may help to deal with these emotions include: drawing; writing; reading; sport; exercise; and talking to a friend, family member, sponsor, or therapist. All of these can help a recovering addict from relapsing.

External Situations

When a person was drinking or using drugs they would most likely have had particular situations that encouraged drinking or using, places where they would drink or use, and relationships that they would drink or use with. These could be parties, clubs, friends’ houses, etc. Recovering addicts may also want to avoid the company of a drinking / using buddies, partners, or co-workers.

Certain types of music and objects can also be related to drinking or drug use. Negative and positive feelings of emotions can be attached to these situations. When a person experiences one of these situations it may trigger past feelings and cravings for alcohol or drugs. In order to prevent a relapse the recovering addict must know what situations cause them to want to drink or use and avoid them at all costs.

Unhealthy Behavior

An alcoholic or drug addict is a creature of forming habits. They are not only dependent upon the alcohol or drug, but also physically drawn to it. It is common for a recovering addict to not know what to do with all of the newly regained free time. It may be difficult for a person to not frequent places or hang out with the same people that they used to go to drink or use drugs. Even if the recovering addict does not drink or use when visiting the same places or people, they are still putting themselves in a situation where it is likely that they will eventually relapse.

By being in these situations the recovering addict is creating habitual modes of thought even if they are unaware to it. These thoughts, feelings, and emotions, that the recovering addict may have, may be similar to those when they were using. By getting back into old habits and patterns the recovering addict is only one step away from relapsing. In the early stages of recovery it is essential that the person break away from these habits and behaviors. Making a list of places, people and situations that may cause a relapse is a great start when trying to live a sober life. Drawing up a daily plan and planning things hour by hour helps to keep the recovering addict stay focused. Trying to find new and sober people to hang out with and safe places to go to will greatly increase the chances of preventing a relapse.

Building a New Life is Not Easy, but Can Be Done

There will always be mishaps, problems to deal with, mood swings etc., but now the recovering addict can experience these situations sober and learn to deal with them properly. By remaining sober a new, healthy and rewarding life will emerge. The longer a person is sober the more healthy associations linked to sobriety will take place and old habits will die. A recovering addict will learn how to deal with negative and positive emotions in a sober way. They will grow in self-confidence and learn how to deal with the world…SOBER. However, it must be remembered that circumstances can occur and that cravings can be ‘reawakened’. A recovering addict must be prepared for life’s unexpected challenges and know the signs of a possible relapse.

"Social interaction is also crucial to recovering addicts, who must learn to build relationships without the help of drugs or alcohol. Most addicts need to separate from their previous friends, says Volkow. You get conditioned to the people you’ve taken drugs with. When you see that person, the brain will release dopamine that will derive intense motivation to take drugs."
Nora Volkow M.D. – National Institute on Drug Abuse