There is a common misconception is an event that just happens. Relapse is not a singular process. Relapse starts in the mind and eventually becomes action. In recovery meetings, it is understood that relapse is a process that begins with your thinking and your attitude.

Relapse can look like this:

• Thinking that you don’t need meetings or groups
• Believing that you don’t have to reach out to your sober friends
• Starting to go to old places like bars or familiar neighborhoods
• Hanging around with old friends who are not recovery minded
• Having a negative attitude
• Not caring about sobriety
• Minimizing or glamorizing drug and alcohol use

Once these thoughts and actions begin to occur, the action of relapse could be right around the corner. If you begin to recognize these behaviors or thoughts, you can stop relapse before it becomes an action.

In order to stop relapse before it happens you have to take a through inventory of your thoughts. You may want to take a personal inventory on a daily basis. To take a personal inventory consider these thoughts:

• Am I avoiding my recovery?
• Have I been thinking of using?
• Am I avoiding my support system?

Even when you don’t feel like going to meetings or calling your sponsor, you need to do it anyway. Recovery is not a feeling. Recovery is a decision that you make daily. Thoughts and feelings are not always based on fact. Learning to move past feelings and do what you know you need to do is growth.

Recovery offers gifts to your life in the form of freedom from substances, peace, positive mental health, and stability. Alcohol and drug use is chaotic, unstable, and does not give you peace of mind. There is a saying in the 12-step rooms that says to play the tape to the end. This means that when you experience difficult moments or have cravings to use, think about the end result. Try to think about all of the negative things that can happen as a result of your use.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about you and your loved ones. Contact us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn more about recovery. We are committed to helping you or your loved one stop the cycle of addiction with education and treatment. At the Kimberly Center, you can trust that you are in safe hands.