Preventing relapse is usually easier than getting back on your feet after after a relapse. If you did relapse, don’t worry it’s not the end of the world. Many of us have been there before and have lived to see the other side. It’s time to pick your head up and take action because your life is literally on the line.

If you had a relapse it’s time to come to terms with that, pick yourself up, and start yourself back on the road to recovery. People tend to blame themselves when they relapse, to feel that somehow you should have been preventing relapse. That’s counter-productive.

One of the best things you can do to prevent a relapse is to stop the signs and mental cravings before they turn into actions. If you struggle with depression or anxiety make sure you are addressing them correctly. What this means is that there are biological, psychological and social or environmental factors that contribute to the development of addiction. In a relapse, some or all of these factors come into play, making recovery more difficult for the addict. In fact, they can be much more difficult than simply treating a medical condition.

“Depression is very common among alcoholics, particularly women, both during treatment and in recovery. After a relapse, then, it’s even more important to deal with the crushing depression that can derail recovery. A psychologist or recovery counselor can help you sort out the psychosocial problems that may have contributed to your relapse. Attending 12-step or self-help groups is also beneficial in working through feelings of depression. Be prepared to work on this for a while, however, as depression doesn’t just magically disappear. Dealing with depression by talking about your issues with a counselor and interacting with others who have been in the same situation is a constructive way to get a handle on depression. Look at it this way. Depression won’t go away on its own. Often, the addict who’s relapsed doesn’t even know where to begin to work it out. Get professional help and seek the support of others.”

Make sure you have a strong support system built up, having friends to turn to when times get tough can be the difference between relapsing and not relapsing. Preventing relapse is all about a few different things, and the core that holds those things together is a good support system. Knowing there are people to turn to, who have felt the way you are currently feeling is extremely helpful in a stressful time like this.

Remember how far you have come, even if you have just 1 day clean and sober, that in itself is amazing. Stay strong and be proud of where you are. Write down how you feel at this moment and why you feel that way. Weigh out your options, what is getting high going to do to help the situation at hand. Your life deserves to be amazing, don’t risk going back out there. Preventing relapse is a serious part of recovery.

Call Recovery Society for help today. 1-866-527-5252