The friendship we make in rehab centers is long-lasting. At the rehab, you’re all fighting the same monster (addition). The support system helps keep everyone inspired to achieve sobriety. However, completing the drug rehabilitation program does not guarantee that everyone will stick to sobriety goals. In the unfortunate event that your friend relapses, you may also be tempted to relapse. I’m sure you want to stick to your sobriety goals. The problem is that your connection with the friend may push you out of your sobriety zone. Here are ways to protect your recovery when your friend relapses.
Stay Occupied and Busy
Boredom and the desire to fit in are the core reasons most people fall back into the pit of substance use. You can avoid boredom by:
- Engaging in activities and projects that keep you committed
- Hit the gym and keep yourself active
- Avoid known triggers like sticking around with addicted friends
- Keeping the Right Company
Avoid falling into the pit of desire to fit by being mindful of your environment and condition. Practice mindfulness to stay connected to the current and your inner-self. Instead of going out to bars with your friend who relapsed, connect with your support network. Attend recovery meetings and seminars, as well. When boredom hits you hard, watch your favorite movies or play your favorite game. Yoga and meditation can also help.
Don’t Hide Your Emotions
Letting out your emotions, especially when a friend relapses, is difficult. You may feel like you’re betraying or gossiping about your friend’s problem. However, not letting out those painful emotions is deadly. The emotions may overwhelm you, leading to stress and emotional instability. When you cannot control your emotions, you’re likely to start using substances again. Instead of hiding your emotions and feelings about a friend’s relapse, talk it out. You can discuss it with:
- Therapists
- Friends
- Family members
- Recovery coach
- Support system
Tell them how a friend’s relapse has caused you so much emotional instability. Whether it’s feelings of disappointment, resentment, or hurting, spill them out. Once you let those feelings out, you’ll feel relieved and ready to continue the recovery journey. Your support system can help you battle the challenges you face during such a trying moment. Regardless of how challenging the situation feels, look up your recovery goals. Keep your spirit high and stay inspired to achieve sobriety.
Stick to Your Goals
Move back to the memory lane a little bit. Figure out your life before you took the bold decision to book an addition and alcoholism treatment program. The pains and the struggles you were facing. The financial and emotional instability you experienced. Figure out the reason you enrolled in the drug treatment program. What were your goals? Who/what was your motivation? What kept you strong and motivated to accomplish your sobriety goals? These should be your source of motivation. Is your dedication to the rehab program linked to your desire to make your family happy? Is it about making your life better and increasing your performance at work? Or is it about realizing your inner peace and turning a new leave? Understand the reasons for taking such a bold move and stick to them. Relax and reflect on your goals and motivations whenever you feel like losing the track.
These will help keep you on track, ensuring you can achieve sobriety. Relapse is the worst stage of recovering from alcoholism and addiction. It’s like going back to step one after achieving the final recovery stage. It makes it almost impossible for you to achieve sobriety. Watching a friend, you have gone through rehab treatment together relapse is a painful experience. It can hurt you so much that you will grab a bottle or two to relieve the stress. However, when a friend relapses, you must never allow emotions to take the better part of you. Instead, you must focus on your recovery goals. We have 24-hour-Active counselors. Call 954-523-1167.