Falling Into Old Patterns
The difficult thing about recognizing patterns is that they are by nature instinctive. We “fall into” old patterns because they are something like our default setting—what we do when we’re not paying attention. Recovery gives us the chance to work on ourselves so that we become attuned to our default patterns. Therapy is a great […]
Why is Relapse Considered Part of Recovery?
Addiction is a chronic condition, and relapse is considered part of recovery. Many people do so one or more times before finding long-term recovery. The less shame they have around it, the more likely they are to seek help and find sobriety again. A person whose cancer comes back is not shamed for it, and […]
What is a Relapse?
Relapse is the worsening of a condition that had previously improved. In the case of addiction, it is typically defined as when someone who had been abstinent from drugs or alcohol starts using them again. However, this depends on what the person’s original goal was. For instance, according to verywellmind, an online resource written and […]
International Overdose Awareness Day
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, leading into September, National Recovery Month. Relapse (and unfortunately in some cases, subsequent overdose) is part of recovery and important to talk about. 2020 Overdose Rates 2020 was a very difficult year, and it had the highest rate of drug overdose deaths. While final numbers won’t be ready until […]
John Mulaney
John Mulaney’s pandemic relapse made a lot of news, but before that he’d been sober since 2005. He first quit drinking and using drugs at age 23. Mulaney started drinking at 13; at that age he felt awkward, and thought alcohol made him funny and gregarious. He also started using cocaine and prescription drugs. “I […]
What Relapse Can Teach Us
Relapse too often makes people feel ashamed, weak, or as though they are not cut out for sobriety. If you relapse, it’s important to feel whatever emotions arise—but it’s also crucial to understand that this is part of recovery. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition. Get Curious About What Caused the Relapse Not only is […]
Star-Studded Addictions: Carrie Fisher
Actor and writer Carrie Fisher—best known for playing Princess Leia in the Stars Wars movies—spent her life destigmatizing addiction and mental health disorders. She approached her own addictions and bipolar disorder with total honesty and a sense of humor. Fisher said she used the opioid Percodan to “dial down” her manic episodes.[1] “I mean, that’s […]
How to Begin Recovery After a Relapse
Relapse occurs when a person who has entered sobriety and recovery uses drugs or alcohol again. It can feel like a failure and an impossible challenge to overcome, especially when you are faced with other people judging you. Yet, there is still help available. Addiction recovery is still possible after relapse, especially when you get […]
How Isolation During the Pandemic Can Impact Addiction
The pandemic has created situations where people are unable to reach out to loved ones or spend time with friends. That can make symptoms of mental health harder to deal with, sometimes leading to the use of drugs or alcohol as a way to compensate. For those with addiction, isolation can make addiction treatment a […]