Dangerous Relapse Thinking In Addiction Recovery

by Bill Urell

When a person has a drug or alcohol relapse,

I think a very fair question to ask is “What were you thinking?”

Oddly enough when you edit the ‘blah, blah, blah’ of the individual explanation or rationalization, it comes down to some really basic addictive thinking errors. 

If you are still in addiction recovery and any of these thoughts start swirling around in your head, run, don’t walk, do not pass go, head right to the nearest 12 step meeting, call your counselor or someone who knows your story. This type of addictive thinking is the beginning of the relapse process, and your job is to interrupt and not act on these destructive thoughts. OK here we go…

1. It/I wasn’t so bad…(when I was using). I said this to my sponsor once, he looked me right in the eye and said “Yes it was”. I shut up

2. It wasn’t ________ that was my problem it was __________. For example fill in alcohol/my job or alcohol/cocaine, or alcohol/stress.

3. I’ve been sober for X # days/#months/#years, I can have just one.

4. I’m all treatmented/meetinged out, I need a break.

5. Becoming complacent.

6. Not keeping sobriety a number one priority.

7. Not changing yourself, people, places and things.

8. Becoming a recovery guru (to the exclusion of your own program)

9. Attempting a little controlled using.

10. Not having a support system in place for crisis.

Those are some examples of relapse thinking and dangerous places to be in. Now I’ll give you my opinion of the greatest relapse prevention toll there is. It is not dependent on intelligence, gender or economic status and it is something we can all pull off if pressed. Are you ready? Here is the secret answer…Awareness and Persistence.

It is imperative to maintain vigilance and be persistent in adhering to your plan of abstinence. Relapse happens to a large number of people, but it is not a required part of being in addiction recovery. Relapse is entirely optional and it is based on your power of choice.