Science has proven that drug addiction is a brain disorder, with studies showing that only about 40% of a person’s vulnerability to drug addiction is hereditary. Repeated use of drugs affects various functions of the brain including; emotion regulation, decision making, and memory among others.

The changes brought about by substance use and abuse make it hard for the victim to completely stop using them and stay abstinent in spite of having gone to the best addiction treatment facilities Malibu.  The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 40 to 60% of those in recovery relapse.

A relapse is not necessarily as a result of ineffective treatment, rather, it could be as a result of the following self-sabotage behaviors:

1.    Negative thinking

Addicts are prone to thinking that all is lost, that they will never recover, and that they are not good enough. This often causes them to feel hopeless and depressed. These thoughts could creep back during recovery and cause you to relapse.

2.    Isolation

Feelings of loneliness, stress, and depression are as a result of isolation, and could easily lead to a relapse. Normally, an addict is naturally inclined to withdraw from meaningful relationships due to feelings of worthlessness. Rather than withdrawing from people around you, accept their offers to help.

3.    Stress

People in the early stages of recovery often find it hard to rebuild destroyed relationships, return to work, take charge of their responsibilities, and so on. This could be overwhelmingly stressful and could make the victim revert to using drugs rather than rationally dealing with the stressors.

4.    Self-pity

Instead of recognizing their mistakes and taking responsibility the recovering addict may start justifying their addiction. While feeling sorry for themselves is useful during recovery, if left untamed it can lead to a lack of motivation to take positive action.

5.    Boredom

This is one of the most common reasons why recovering addicts self-sabotage. The time that had previously been spent acquiring and using drugs or engaging in recovery activities in a rehab center becomes free time. It’s easy for the victim to think they can start using again especially if they do not engage in activities such as hobbies, volunteering, and anything that keeps them busy

6.    Missing support group meetings

Support groups offer drug use victims a safe place to share, learn, and listen to other people going through the same challenges. The victim may feel that they are well and no longer need to go to support group meetings. In most cases, this leads to feelings of boredom and loneliness which are common causes of relapses.

Addiction recovery is hard work, but breaking the mentioned self-sabotage behaviors really helps. If you find it hard to break these habits, counselors in most addiction treatment facilities Malibu will be willing to help.