On the list of reasons recovering addicts relapse is obsessive thinking about using drugs and alcohol. This isn’t to say that there are moments when someone in recovery will find themselves just plain thinking about using again. It’s quite common. The obsessive thinking is when the addict continues to delve into repeated thoughts of using to get through a life experience, remembering only what they think was a good time and feeling self-pity because someone else can drink or use drugs and they can’t do it safely.
As we’ve said before, relapse just doesn’t happen. It is a something that builds with addicts in recovery. It happens when we don’t go to meetings and it happens when we are being honest with our fellows in recovery. For those addicts who use opioids, or are in recovery for opioid addiction, a Suboxone detox is one of the best ways to work through withdrawal. The pain from withdrawing can be so intense, the addict will pick up again just to find relief. This is where obsession comes into play.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has defined obsessive alcoholism as a primary, chronic, progressive and sometimes fatal disease, as well as a mental obsession that causes a physical compulsion to drink. One of the better comparisons about mental obsessions is when you hear a song in your head and you just can’t get it out of your head. The more you try not to think of it, you find yourself still just singing the tune quietly to yourself. It is often an unconscious reaction.
With alcohol or drugs, however, the addict is often unaware, and then suddenly the compulsion is there to drink. If you find yourself in a relapse and need help, contact Pat Moore Foundation. We have counselors on staff that can help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.