Top 5 Reasons Men Relapse

Top 5 Reasons Men Relapse

There are many reasons that people struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction relapse. Relapse, especially early on, is extremely common. In many cases, men’s addictions start for different reasons and develop differently than women’s. Likewise, the reasons they relapse can be very different.

Top 5 Reasons Men Relapse: Refusing to give up friends and drug using environment

In the beginning, staying away from bars, using/drinking buddies, and environments where drug use is common is very important. In the rooms, they say if you hang out in a barber shop, you will eventually get a haircut. The same is true from hanging around places and people that encourage drinking or drug use.  Most men who get sober and still hang out with drinking/using buddies in the same places will eventually relapse. Eventually, many men who are sober can hang out with people who still use or drink, but in the beginning it can be a recipe for disaster.

Top 5 Reasons Men Relapse: Undiagnosed psychiatric disorder

Almost half of all people who seek treatment for drug and alcohol treatment have a co-occurring disorder like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. If these issues go untreated or unresolved, it could cause a man to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. If the underlying psychiatric disorder is not properly treated, people with co-occurring diseases are very likely to relapse.

Top 5 Reasons Men Relapse: Stress and challenging events

Men in recovery sometimes have a harder time than women when it comes to reaching out and developing a support network. Then when stressful or life-changing events occur-death, job loss, divorce- they have nowhere to turn and end up using drugs and alcohol. Men may feel more pressured to “suck it up” or “do things on their own” when bad things happen, and they don’t have any supports that can offer comfort or advice.

Top 5 Reasons Men Relapse: Joyous occasions

While most situations that trigger relapse are negative, for men, sometimes positive situations can be just as risky. When things are going well, men tend to be overconfident, and feel like they’ve “got this.” Birthdays, parties, holidays and celebrations can be times when men feel happy and in control – and they think they can handle that one drink or drug.

Top 5 Reasons Men Relapse: Sexual or romantic relationships

Relationships in early recovery have caused a great many addicts and alcoholics to relapse. Men in particular tend to get most of their emotional support from their partners. Getting into a relationship in early recovery means they are less likely to reach out to other men and form a solid support system. It also means that if those relationships fail, they have nowhere to turn and will likely relapse. Even a minor relationship setback can spell disaster in early recovery. Interpersonal conflicts can trigger underlying issues with shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. There is also the risk that a romantic relationship in early recovery will become an addict’s primary focus, which greatly increases the risk for relapse.

If you or your loved one is in need of treatment for alcohol or drug addiction please give us a call at 800-951-6135.

Source:

http://www.promises.com/articles/addiction-recovery/top-reasons-men-in-recovery-relapse-with-drugs/