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If things are going bad for you in recovery, you may come to the conclusion that there is not much point in remaining sober. This kind of thinking is understandable but, once you make the decision to relapse, there is no guarantee that you will ever get another chance at sobriety. Things are only likely to get worse for you if you return to alcohol or drugs, so this is definitely not something you want to rush into doing. Here are five things you should consider before deciding to give up on recovery:
1. Recovery is a Process
If you have started to become disillusioned because your life is not perfect yet, it means that the problem is with your expectations. It is unlikely that your fall into addiction happened overnight, so repairing this damage takes a long time – and this just gets you back to where you started. You do have an opportunity for a much better life in the future, but it is vital that you develop realistic expectations of what the process involves. If you put in the effort then things are certainly going to improve, but you need to give it time.
2. This is a Precious Opportunity to Change Your Life
Not everyone who falls into addiction gets a chance to recover; there are even people who die within a few weeks of falling into substance abuse. The fact that you have this opportunity to change means that you are one of the fortunate ones, but this could be your last chance. It is vital that you make the most of the lifeline that has been given to you because you deserve a better life.
3. Relapsing Due To Anger Is Something You Are Likely To Regret
If you are angry at the moment and it is this that is triggering your thoughts of relapse, it means that you will be making this decision when your decision-making ability is at its lowest. This is because it is almost impossible to make good decisions when your mind is taken over by such a strong emotion. Anger means your mind is only concerned with an immediate perceived threat and you will not be thinking about the repercussions for your future. The source of the anger is usually something that can be dealt with but, once you are back drinking, it is just likely to lead to remorse over the lost opportunity.
4. You Can Always Relapse Tomorrow
If you are thinking of relapse, it is strongly recommended that you delay your decision. Waiting a few more days will not make much of a difference and it will give you the chance to really assess what is the best thing to do here; if you are angry, it gives you the chance to calm down. Use this opportunity to get advice from other people and consider other options for dealing with the situation. It only takes a minute to relapse, but it could take years to recover from this decision – if you ever do recover.
5. A Rough Patch Can Be the Build-Up to Something Better
The fact that things feel bad at the moment could be because you are making the transition to something better. It is often the case that there needs to be at least a bit of discomfort so you are forced to make the necessary changes that will lead to improvements. If you just treat this period as a challenge that will lead to something better, it will be much easier for you to deal with.
