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lani


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Why do some drug addicts and alcoholics keep relapsing, while other people seem to embrace recovery and start living a successful, drug-free life again? The question confounds us all, and has been discussed at great lengths. Here are some of the reasons that we have found that people continue to fail:

Some addicts and alcoholics just aren't ready to quit

The younger you are, the harder it is to make the commitment to quit using drugs and alcohol. This is because the typical addict mind still equates drug use and getting high with "having fun." It can take several years to realize that beating your head against a wall with drug and alcohol addiction is no longer fun, but is instead ruining your life. People struggle with addiction for years in complete misery before they realize that "it isn't fun anymore." What might seem obvious to an outsider is very difficult for the addict to grasp, because they are right in the thick of it. This is called denial. We hang on to the few good memories we have of "having fun" with drugs and alcohol and we block out the bad memories.

Some addicts and alcoholics are caught in a bad environment

This might sound like an excuse, but it can be very true for some. If an addict lives in an unhealthy situation that has constant drug and alcohol use, then getting clean is going to be very difficult indeed. For these folks, long term treatment centers might be the best option, but some people are not in a position to go to one (for example, they might have children to take care of).

Some addicts and alcoholics do not focus on spiritual growth

It can seem a bit counter-intuitive, but focusing on spiritual growth is one of the big keys to recovery. Any addict or alcoholic that doesn't "get it" is in danger of relapsing, and it is only through a spiritual awakening that a person can enjoy a long term change in themselves. This has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with spiritual growth. Meaning, a complete change in personality--one that is great enough to overcome the selfishness of drug seeking behavior. This is the key to lasting recovery.

Is there a struggling addict or alcoholic in your life that you care about? If so, then come here to learn more about helping addicts

Patrick Meninga is a recovering addict and alcoholic who authors the Spiritual River website about overcoming addiction.

Patrick Meninga - EzineArticles Expert Author


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cramcj01


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When I was in the hospital, they always stressed that relapse is a "part" of recovery for a lot of people. I'm not sure what others think of that. The first time, it kind of made me feel like it was okay to give in to a drink.....maybe they mean it's a learning experience....who knows!

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StPeteDean


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cramcj01 wrote:

When I was in the hospital, they always stressed that relapse is a "part" of recovery for a lot of people. I'm not sure what others think of that. The first time, it kind of made me feel like it was okay to give in to a drink.....maybe they mean it's a learning experience....who knows!



I think that they meant that, unfortunately  relapse was a part of many people's recovery, because they refused to comitt totally to the program and follow suggestions.  I was one of those people.  I sincerely believe that if I had been willing to do what was asked of me, that relapse would not have been a part of my recovery.   There is no shame in it, and "it takes what it takes" to convince us to become willing, but it's totally unnnecessary if we were willing to "totaly give ourselves to this simple program".   

 

The program was designed for older late stage alcoholics that were near or at the end of thier rope.  Today many of the people who come into AA are "high bottom drunks" or have to go back out and reach that bottom, because they can't admit that their are powerless.  So maybe it's not their fault that they get here "too soon".  It's painful for those of us who have been around awhile to watch because we can see their future (we've lived it) to an extent and we want so badly to save them from themselves, and most of time, we just can't.  hmm

 

Dean



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Doll


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The saying "it takes what it takes" comes to mind. For me, I had to swallow every drop, shed every tear and become so sick of me to get where I am today..........

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jonijoni1


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Doll, love the simplicity in what you said. Agreed. Takes what it takes, and each of us is different. When I spent more time figuring out what I could do to stay sober for TODAY, than how much time I had, etc... pretty soon the days have piled up.

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serenity041807


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I have been sober for nearly 18 months.  I am fortunate that relapse has not been a part of my sobriety.  However it has been a part of my significant others sobriety.  I asked him why and he said "because I am a drunk and that is what I do".  I asked a counselor about the comment and he said it was a "cop out".

I am so thankful for this program.  It has taught me that I have choices.  I no longer have to put something in my body that changes the way I feel.  I am okay with being me.  I can say that because I try to follow the principles of AA everyday.  I have a sponsor, I have completed the 12 steps in order and I am willing.  I am willing to get to know me.  And that has been the hardest part.  Learning who I am. 

Unfortunately I have people in my life that I love that are not willing.  And cannot get the spiritual part of this program.  That is an important part.

I am greatful to have this program.  I thank my higher power everyday.  And I thank all of you. 



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