Returning from a Relapse

Battling negative self-talk after a relapse can be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Its important to recognize the difference between guilt and shame.

Guilt refers to feeling bad about things one has done or failed to do, while shame means feeling bad about who you are - that you are defective or unworthy. People who have experienced shame and internalized it, may find that negative self-talk was once a coping skill that served them.


However, in recovery, its imperative to change the way we talk to ourselves.


Its essential to be patient and empathetic towards your limitations, as recovery can be draining and full-time work. Self-motivation doesnt have to look like cracking the whip on a sick mule. Instead, be loving and calm when talking to yourself.


Attend medical appointments, tackle your to-do list, and remember to be patient and kind to yourself, even when it feels like no one else is. Self-talk that is patient and empathetic towards your limitations can lead to a more successful recovery journey.

It's important to remember that everyone in this group is on their own unique journey towards recovery. Some may be at a point where they are successfully maintaining their sobriety, while others may be struggling in the midst of withdrawal or feeling overwhelmed by cravings.


If you're feeling dope sick or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, remember to take care of yourself physically. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and reach out to a trusted healthcare provider for support and guidance.


Please visit our page on Withdrawal if you are having withdrawal symptoms or emotional instability in early recovery.

Remember, recovery is a journey, and it's okay to take things one day at a time.




 Many of us think that we're in "relapse territory" when we start craving drugs or alcohol.

    Or that the "relapse" happens when we decide to use drugs or alcohol. This is what is called a "decision point."

    Looking at circumstances leading up to a relapse, one might find significant stressors in any of the following areas:

It's normal to feel overwhelmed, confused, and hopeless at different points in the process. However, it's important to keep pushing forward even when you are finding it difficult to stay sober or meet other recovery goals. One reason to keep going is that recovery is a process that takes time. It's not a one-time event; it's a journey that requires ongoing effort and commitment.


Just because you stumble does not mean you have failed. It is essential to remember that there is no quick fix when it comes to recovery, and it is essential to keep working on it, day by day. Additionally, staying sober and meeting recovery goals can help you live a happier and healthier life. Drug and alcohol addiction can impact all areas of our lives, including our physical and mental health, relationships, and careers.


By choosing to pursue recovery, you are giving yourself the opportunity to build a brighter future. Moreover, recovery is a journey of self-discovery and growth. During the process, it is essential to examine our attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs – and to identify which ones are helping us and which ones are holding us back. By doing this, we can learn how to live in a more positive way, and we can also help others who may be struggling.


Lastly, staying on the path of recovery can be challenging at times, and it is crucial to remember that there are resources available to help you succeed. You can seek support from family, friends, fellow group members, trudging buddies, or a professional therapist. You don't have to do this alone. In summary, while it can be challenging to stay sober or meet other recovery goals, continuing to work towards recovery is essential for living a happier and healthier life. Recovery takes time, but with patience, persistence, and support, it is possible to overcome addiction and build a brighter future.



Taking ourselves too seriously can be problematic in many ways. When we take ourselves too seriously, we tend to become more self-centered and tend to focus on our own flaws and shortcomings to an unhealthy extent. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even low-self esteem.  

In turn, this can lead to us being less open-minded towards others, which can undermine our relationships and hinder our personal growth.



We do not "promise" you that "it gets better." As far as I can tell , "it" still sucks in early recovery and then for a good long while after that.

What we promise here is that YOU can get better, even if "it" remains challenging.

Recovery has many steps for finding better ways to deal with problems, other than using drugs.

Set a goal and write down a plan for how you are going to recover.

Find a support group that is right for you. NEVERALONECLUB.ORG is not affiliated with AA, NA or any other 12-step or other recovery group.

Be Active

Get involved with others by joining social, community, or church activities in your town.

Be a volunteer to help others.

Please help us be here for the newcomer -- Even with one day clean you can welcome and encourage somebody else. You may be the first kind word they've heard in a long time.

Do something new in your life and think about the things that are important to you. Try to remember hobbies and things you "used to" enjoy before your addiction took focus.

One of the easiest things you can do is to make small changes in your environment that will make your home or current space more uplifting or welcoming. This could be as simple as rearranging furniture, adding some plants or pictures, or decluttering your space.

Learn to understand your feelings

Learn to live better with anxiety, anger, conflict, and feeling alone in healthier ways. Your support groups and/or sponsor can help with this.

Learn how to lower stress without abusing drugs. Some people enjoy exercise and meditation. Others like to play with pets. Try listening to music or having a massage. Go for a walk.

Avoid places, people, or times that would trigger your cravings. Do not spend time with friends who are still abusing drugs. Instead spend time with people who can help you in your recovery. Avoid going to bars and clubs. Do not drink alcohol. Some prescription drugs have a high chance for abuse, these include sleeping pills painkillers and anti anxiety drugs.

Find ways to cope with cravings

Talk with family or friends. Come into chat and talk about cravings, we never close! We may be able to help you do things to keep you from thinking about drugs. Often times, listening to someone else in need gets us out of ourselves and makes us forget about our own problems or our craving for awhile.

Keep us in your back pocket, we have a PWA/ Progressive Mobile App that works on Android and Apple. Just click "Add to Home Screen" and it behaves as an "app."

When cravings happen, you may remember the good feelings only and forget the bad things about using drugs. Remind yourself that you will not really "feel good" if you go back to using drugs. You came here for a reason!

Sometimes in early recovery we have to learn how to be okay with not being okay for a little while. Come talk through it with us, you never have to use again and you do not have to do this alone anymore.


When cravings happen, you may remember the good feelings only and forget the bad things about using drugs. Remind yourself that you will not really "feel good" if you go back to using drugs. You came here for a reason!

Sometimes in early recovery we have to learn how to be okay with not being okay for a little while. Come talk through it with us, you never have to use again and you do not have to do this alone anymore.