The Hidden Risk of Happiness: Why Addicts Relapse When Things Are Good

About a year ago, your loved one hit rock bottom, finally recognized her need for help, and checked herself into the nearby rehab facility.

Once rehab was over, she got a job, had her own apartment, and was working on salvaging damaged relationships. Things were good — even great on some days. She was doing so well and seemed motivated to regain stability in her life.

And then in one short night, she relapsed and started using again — and everyone in her life feels as though all the hard-fought progress was for nothing. 

Here we cover why addicts may relapse when things are good, including factors that contribute to relapse and where to find help for long-term success in addiction recovery.

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Table of Contents

• Why Do Addicts Relapse When Things Are Good?
• 3 Stages of Addiction Relapse
• 7 Key Factors That Contribute to Addiction Relapse
• Clear Steps Recovery: Providing a Clear Pathway to Successful, Long-Term Addiction Recovery

Relapse is a potential at any phase during sobriety, but individuals have the highest risk of relapse in the early stages of addiction recovery.

Whether you are in recovery for days, months, or even years, there may always be an underlying fear of relapse. Even the people with the strongest determination to recover are vulnerable.

While there are numerous reasons why addicts relapse when things are good, it is vital to remember that it is not a failure, but a setback. It also does not mean treatment is not working or is ineffective.

Addiction is a chronic disease, and relapses can happen at any time — but oftentimes it seems to happen when things are good.

One way to avoid relapses is to be aware of people, situations, or emotions that may trigger a relapse, and develop a relapse-prevention plan prior to encountering such triggers.

Additionally, relapses are often multi-faceted, rather than being caused by a single component or trigger.

Relapses are further broken down into three stages or categories, including the following:

• Stage 1: Emotional relapse
  
  • Generally, the initial stage of a relapse
  • Dealing with cravings and a range of new emotions
  • May not realize they are going down the path of a relapse
  • Subliminally seeking an outlet for emotional distress or pain
• Stage 2: Mental relapse
  
  • Recognize they’re beginning to struggle and crave substances to cope
  • Sobriety vs. returning to substances becomes a significant internal argument
  • May attempt to rationalize substance use
  • May try to minimize their past substance dependency
• Stage 3: Physical relapse
  
  • Return to substance use
  • May give up on sobriety because they feel they’ll never be able to effectively control themselves against substance use

Brains that are recovering from addictions are also adjusting to significant chemical shifts. These physiological changes may cause a person not to “feel like themselves” until the body rids itself of the substance and the brain has healed from its effects. Any of these factors can trigger a possible relapse.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, Clear Steps Recovery can help by supporting clients in making meaningful changes. Our evidence-based treatment programs provide the tools needed to address alcohol use and promote total health — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Recovery is not just about quitting — it’s about rebuilding a healthier future.

#1: Self Sabotage

Due to underlying issues with low self-esteem or other mental health issues, some people may believe they do not deserve a better life.

They have grown in leaps and bounds with addiction recovery and strategy, but the emotional scars or continuing mental health disorders may take much longer to resolve or be addressed, and they may reach for substances again as a form of escape.

#2: Fear 

Fear is common in recovery from addiction and may manifest in many different ways, including the initial lifestyle changes to maintaining long-term sobriety. For many people facing recovery, these feelings can be overwhelming and may even seem hopeless.

Some of the most common fears include:

• Fear of facing everything, such as past relationships or mistakes
• Fear of the unknown in recovery
• Fear of relapse
• Fear of continued rejection
• Fear of boredom
• Fear of the future
• Fear of success
• Fear of sobriety

#3: Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are a strong possibility for anyone giving up a substance. These effects are unpleasant and include physical and psychological symptoms.

Medical assistance during withdrawal can not only lessen symptoms but can also help individuals progress on their road to sobriety. Without medical intervention, many people return to substance use due to the distressing and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

#4: Mental Health Struggles

Mental health concerns — especially when undiagnosed or untreated — make recovering addicts much more prone to relapses.

Substance use recovery is already a challenge, and if mental health issues coexist, the challenges to maintain sobriety are even greater.

#5: Failure To Set Boundaries

A routine lifestyle — as opposed to life riddled with substances or chaos — may be a difficult adjustment for some.

Life may present as boring and lacking adventure in daily tasks or routines, such as going to work every day, paying bills, and running errands. Some individuals may revert back to the life of addiction to seek more excitement.

Within the new routines, boundaries need to be established with people and places. Some people of the past could be a toxic influence on your new, sober life.

Locations can also be detrimental, as they can remind individuals of past habits — or be in close proximity to where substances were obtained.

Navigating through life while maintaining sobriety requires planning and moving with caution.

#6: Lack of Support

Support during recovery is essential.

Studies report those lacking a support system are prone to a greater frequency and severity of substance use approximately six months after discharge than when they entered rehab.

Having a support network of family and friends helps maintain sobriety by creating accountability.

#7: Overconfidence

Individuals who were recently discharged from an inpatient program may have an inflated sense of confidence. However, upon discharge, they are leaving their direct support community in the inpatient setting and may be prone to reverting to old habits.

Confidence in conquering addiction is important, but understanding both the need for continued support and that the challenges of maintaining sobriety will be never-ending is even more important.

Relapses may result from overconfidence if the following occur:

• Ignoring triggers that lead to substance use
• Neglecting the need for aftercare
• Not maintaining stable support
• Complacency in recovery
• Underestimating challenges
• Occasional use of substances
• Refusing to ask for help

Understanding the comprehensive challenges after rehab and being wary of overconfidence in the early stages of recovery will help individuals transition to long-term sobriety.

Relapse is always a possibility, but it does not mean recovery is impossible.

At Clear Steps Recovery in Massachusetts, we believe education is key to long-term recovery and wellness. 

The staff understands that becoming sober is a major achievement, but they also acknowledge the weeks and months following the end of treatment are just as critical to prevent relapses when things are good.

That is why Clear Steps Recovery offers individualized aftercare programs designed for follow-up support.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or substance use, the professionals at Clear Steps Recovery are here to help with comprehensive programs to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Call us today to learn more about our compassionate, personalized care and how we can support your recovery journey in Massachusetts.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.