Why Do Relapses Happen?
- chinookarchrecover
- Mar 21
- 1 min read
Why Do Relapses Happen?
Relapses can happen when individuals in recovery are not adequately prepared for what that process entails. Many factors can contribute to relapse, including psychosocial, daily life, internal, and external influences. Here are examples of these risk factors:
Psychosocial factors include:
Low self-efficacy.
Positive expectations regarding substance use.
Lack of motivation to change.
Insufficient adaptive coping skills.
Negative emotions.
Inadequate social and emotional support.
Cravings.
Daily life factors include:
Contact with individuals who still use or sell substances.
Presence of substances or related paraphernalia.
Spending time in locations where one previously used substances.
Isolating or withdrawing from others.
Failing to reach out to one's recovery support network.
Internal risk factors consist of:
Untreated physical or mental health issues.
Feelings of boredom, hunger, anger, loneliness, or fatigue.
External risk factors can be:
Living in neighborhoods with high substance use
Proximity to bars
Exposure to substance use in professional or personal settings
Being aware of these factors can help individuals in recovery navigate their journey more effectively.
The Importance of Healthy Boundaries in Recovery
Boundaries are essential in any relationship but become even more critical during addiction recovery. Healthy boundaries help partners define acceptable behaviors, protect emotional well-being, and establish accountability.
How to Set Effective Boundaries
Identify Your Needs: Reflect on what you need to feel safe and supported during recovery.
Communicate Clearly: Use “I” statements to express your boundaries without placing blame. For example, “I need us to attend support sessions together to improve our communication.”
Stay Consistent: Enforcing boundaries consistently reinforces their importance and helps avoid mixed messages.
Comments