For a lot of people, recovery is not a linear path that can be walked without some bumps in the road. Not all people relapse, but it is a part of many people’s stories. When we honestly and thoroughly work our steps, stay connected with our fellowship, and maintain a spiritual connection, it is easier to recognize when we are struggling and when we need to take further action to prevent a relapse. Sometimes, we may not even be aware that we are entering the dangerous territory of being in “relapse mode.” Certain behaviors and actions can change, and our emotional, mental, and spiritual selves can feel discontented. Some signs of relapse behavior include:
-Not going to meetings as regularly.
-Disconnecting from your fellowship and not reaching out to as many people.
-Not calling your sponsor.
-Feelings of hopelessness and depression.
-Isolating.
-Engaging in destructive behaviors (i.e, stealing or shoplifting, lying, breaking house rules, unhealthy eating and sleeping, halt in spiritual practices)
When left to our own vices, we have been shown time and time again that we cannot successfully run our own lives without the help of the program. When we are feeling ourselves slipping, it is important to tell someone and take a moment to ground ourselves. We can make a gratitude list, showing us the things to be thankful for due to our sobriety and our recovery. We can call our sponsors, call a friend, or speak up at a meeting. Fear and shame have no place to run our lives and dictate our actions. If we are struggling, we can be reminded that there is hope for us after all, and walk through the pain and come out stronger.
