Causes of Relapse in Addiction Recovery

The journey of addiction recovery is akin to navigating a labyrinth; it’s complicated, full of twists and turns, and requires constant vigilance. While many successfully traverse this maze, reaching the all-important milestone of long-term sobriety, others encounter setbacks along the way. The phenomenon of relapse is an unfortunate but all too common part of this journey. This blog aims to explore the underlying causes that can trigger a relapse during addiction recovery.


Stress: The Invisible Trigger

Stress, whether emanating from work, relationships, or financial woes, can act as an incredibly potent relapse trigger. The human brain is wired to seek relief in moments of tension, and for those with a history of substance abuse, this relief may be sought in the form of drugs or alcohol. Managing stress through healthier avenues like exercise or meditation is crucial but often overlooked in the grand scheme of addiction recovery.


Emotional Rollercoasters: Highs and Lows

While stress is an external trigger, internal emotional states can also play a significant role. Extreme emotions, be it the euphoria of a life event like a wedding or the sadness accompanying a personal loss, can destabilize the precarious balance maintained during recovery. Emotional extremes can make the lure of substance abuse seem like an easy escape or celebration, setting the stage for potential relapse.


Social Triggers: The Company One Keeps

The social environment is another factor that can contribute to relapse. Peer pressure or social settings where substance use is normalized can trigger cravings and eventually lead to relapse. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of supportive social networks and to avoid situations where the temptation to relapse is strong.


Inadequate Coping Mechanisms

Often, individuals in recovery have not yet developed the coping skills needed to navigate the complex emotional landscape that life presents. Without these skills, the risk of reverting to old, harmful habits as a way to cope with challenging situations becomes significantly higher.


Overconfidence: The Double-Edged Sword

Ironically, the very confidence that comes with reaching certain milestones in recovery can sometimes lead to complacency, opening the door to relapse. The thought that “one drink won’t hurt” or that “I have it under control now” can be incredibly dangerous. It’s a precarious balancing act between maintaining self-confidence and avoiding overconfidence that leads to poor decision-making.


Neglecting Aftercare and Ongoing Support

Completion of an initial treatment program is a significant achievement but is not the end of the recovery journey. Continuous engagement with aftercare services like counseling and support groups is critical. Disengagement from these support structures can increase the vulnerability to relapse.


Conclusion

Understanding the causes of relapse is akin to understanding the enemy in any battle. Knowledge is power, and in the fight against addiction, understanding these triggers can empower individuals to maintain their course on the journey to recovery. While each individual’s experience is unique, these common triggers offer insights into the multifaceted challenge that relapse presents. Being forearmed with this knowledge can be a crucial factor in sustaining long-term recovery.

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Brittany BuchanBrittany Buchan
10:49 21 Dec 22
Metamorphosis literally saved my life .I went to the centre completely broken and honestly just done. But after a month of learning and amazing care from all the medical staff and counsellors ( Rick , Vicky, Troy , Jen , Mel , Nicole ) I left a with a new lease on life and I now look forward to living.I wasn’t sure if this place was for me as I suffer from mental illness and not addiction but although most of the focus was on addictions , it’s very applicable to mental health as well and found myself learning a lot.My primary counsellor Rick was amazing , he lifted me up and helped me see my true potential and worth and guided me in tackling some daunting work and was always there for me when I needed , for hims i am so thankful!My secondary counsellor Vicky was another saving grace for me , we shared a lot of similar stories and she was easy to talk to , always made sure that if I had a issue , it was rectified and she’s definitely a huge blessing to me and my recovery !The only negative thing I have to say is the centre is quite disorganized ( managerially , administratively) and I did feel like I was chasing people to try and receive some of the things that were supposed to be part of my treatment there from family therapy to psychiatry . When I did speak to the owners about this it was dealt with in a productive manner and although in my opinion it wasn’t able to be fixed as it was too far gone ; it was sorted out to the best of their ability .Metamorphosis was the first place I have felt safe , heard , valued and supported and everyone there was amazing I would recommend this centre to others who are looking for a place to heal !
Ada WoodsAda Woods
05:44 02 Oct 22
My time at Metamorphosis Centre was unexpectedly beautiful.I've travelled around the world, and I have to say this was the best month of my life. Nothing compares to this experience and the knowledge I gained. If you are on the fence or looking into treatments centres, I promise this is the place for you!I remember making the decision I needed to go to rehab and being terrified based off what movies portray - I'm 25 - so the picture of the movie "Girl Interrupted" played through my mind. Wow, did Metamorphosis prove me wrong. The gentlemen Todd who answered the phone on the other side of Metamorphosis tackled all my questions with empathy and made me feel comfortable with the decision of going there. I was still hesitant but when I walked through the front doors of Metamorphosis a rush of hope came over me and I felt instantly at home. I was greeted with compassion, understanding, and no judgements. That continued for my 30 days there, as well as after I left. I have a new family; the staff, counsellors, owners, and clients that attended alongside me.The program itself gets to the bottom of addiction by exploring how everything starts with the importance of mental health. They focus on how to love and accept yourself despite decisions or experiences we've all had in life. It is accompanied with beautiful walks and swims at the beach, nature hikes, and fun group activities that taught me I can have fun being sober again. I can be myself and be loved for it.Every single counsellor in the building goes above and beyond with their jobs. It is so evident that they truly give their whole heart to every individual that walks through their front doors. I have done therapy consistently for 2 years prior to going. During my first conversation with head counsellor Rick he got to the root of my problems in that one conversation. (I know my mind was blown too.) I will forever be thankful for Rick, he truly changed my outlook on life, and helped re-build the broken relationships I had with my parents. Vicky, the mom of the building, with the biggest heart. She wasn't even my assigned counsellor but she stood by my side and cheered me on while I figured my life out. Nicole, my primary counsellor provided me with tools to overcome my anxiety and panic attacks. She is such a joy to be around, and lights up any room she walks into. I learned more in a month at Metamorphosis Centre than I had doing therapy for 2 years.To Frank and Chris, the owners, thank you SO much for opening up Metamorphosis Centre, and your determination to make it the best centre out there. In my eyes, you have achieved that. I couldn't imagine my life without this place now.
stephanie beedhamstephanie beedham
19:34 11 Aug 22
Metamorphosis changed my life. It is a treatment center that stands above the rest in every aspect of recovery. The treatment is personalized to each individual's struggle and the staff work one on one to provide the best care possible. My counselor Rick is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. With years of experience and a heart of gold, he challenged me, taught me and encouraged me to face my addiction and overcome a lifetime of trauma. Vicky is a counselor that will go above and beyond for her clients. She is relentless in her pursuit to make your journey successful. Chris and Frank, the owners, make Metamorphosis a place that people can call home during recovery. Their work is not only amazing...it is beautiful and inspiring. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent at this Centre and urge anyone struggling with mental health or addiction to reach out and look no further than Metamorphosis. It is treatment that will make the difference.
Dennis CDennis C
15:34 02 Apr 22
Metamorphosis showed me how to be the best version of my self . The patience and consideration from all the staff is what makes Metamorphosis different from other centre's. The food was fantastic, I enjoyed the kitchen staff so much I would volunteer cleaning dishes. Frank and Chris gave me an opportunity that allowed me to break the cycle of addiction that I will be forever grateful for. My primary counselor Madison , went above and beyond. Secondary counselor Tom was open and friendly , but took my recovery seriously and helped show me the way into better living. I am still in contact with Tom and he continues to support me with the challenges I face in recovery
Melanie BucciMelanie Bucci
21:39 10 Jan 22
I cannot begin to describe how thankful I am for Metamorphosis for helping me get my life back together. I was in a very dark place when I arrived and I did not know what to expect as this was my first (and last) treatment center I have ever been to. Right away I was made to feel comfortable and at home by the staff and the other clients staying at the center. You can tell that the owners, Frank and Chris, truly care about their clients. My primary counsellor, Jen, was absolutely amazing and I am so grateful for her. She understood me right away and gave me the tools I needed to be successful in my recovery, along with the help of the head counsellor, Rick, and the other counsellors at Metamorphosis. The doctors and therapists that they work with are also excellent and extremely knowledgeable. The food they provided was top notch. Thank you, Metamorphosis, for making me live again and not just survive. This center will always hold a special place in my heart.
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