Stories about relapsing addicts seem pretty common.  Just when you think that person is getting it together, they fall off the path. Maybe this is your story, and you feel unsure how to keep yourself from going back to that life. 

The Real Risk of Addiction Relapse

First, it’s very important to realize that relapse happens. It’s an expected part of the recovery process. But each relapse teaches you something about yourself. What have I been getting lax about?  Where has my attitude slipped? Have I been in touch with my AA or NA sponsor lately? 

When you can glean even one small lesson from your experience, you have one more piece of awareness to help you. The more you pay attention to the patterns of your feelings, thoughts, and other symptoms, the better chance you have of getting back to a sober life. People with addictions and mental disorders have usually spent years ignoring their feelings, thoughts, and symptoms. Opening your awareness to these things happens one step at a time. 

Thinking you are immune to relapse could get you into trouble. The Recovery Radio has a comprehensive post about theconcept of “personal exceptionalism.” This is basically the idea that the addict is special and the common rules of addiction or relapse don’t apply. Big red flag waving here - doesn’t that say “relapse risk” to you? 

Addiction Relapse Risk Factors

If you are a drug addict or alcoholic with a dual diagnosis, there is a long list of possible relapse risk factors. Many of them depend on your past personal experiences, the symptoms of your mental illness, and your current “life situation.” 

Here is a general list of some relapse risk factors to be aware of. Keep the symptoms of your mental illness diagnosis in mind as you read through these.

1 - High-risk situations such as hanging out with old “using” friends, keeping alcohol or drugs in your house even when you are trying to stay clean, keeping drug and alcohol paraphernalia at your house, etc. Each of these is an easy shortcut to using again. 

2- States of negative emotion - boredom, anger, impatience, irritability, depression, anxiety. Being mad for a few minutes may not send you into relapse, but rehashing old anger at your dad for a few days might. Be especially aware of your mental disorder diagnosis here. It’s more than just a trigger.

3 - Not taking care of your mental illness properly such as skipping therapy or doctor appointments, messing with your meds, not using your coping skills to deal with symptoms, not seeking help if symptoms get worse. There is a pretty good chance some addicts will try “self-medicating” when this happens.

4 - Relationship problems whether they are with friends, your marriage or boyfriend/girlfriend, problems with your children, etc. Sometimes the people you want to rely on can provide more relapse risk than support. 

Arming Yourself Against Addiction Relapse

The Canyon offers not only high quality drug detox and treatment, but also help dealing with relapse. Another option is a sober living home in California. No matter what your method, learning about how you are vulnerable to relapse can keep you living a sober life. 

Obviously, everyone has unique relapse triggers. Your triggers fit your life, but it may also strike a chord with someone else. What are your personal triggers for relapse? What relapse risk factors seem to be connected with your mental disorder diagnosis? As always, we thank you for sharing your personal comments.