Relapsed Recently and Feel Terrible

Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Help Header

Home Page
Resources
Advertising
Contact Us

Relapsed Recently and Feel Terrible

I just want to say that I relapsed pretty badly recently. I’d been sober for around 9 months, and for the most part things were going well. Then last weekend, I met up with some old friends at this bar, and we were reminiscing about old times and all that.

So of course all those good, fuzzy, feelings come back about how much fun we used to have and the mischief we’d get up to. So I think, what can a couple of drinks hurt? Anyway, those couple of drinks turn into an absolute bender, and my friends eventually having to carry me home because I’m so wasted. I can’t even remember most of this. When I spoke to my friends about everything afterwards, they said I shouldn’t worry about it too much and think it’s no big deal.

But I’m devastated and feel terrible about it. I’d come so far, only to throw it all away for one stupid night. Maybe a part of me still hoped I can be a normal drinker? I guess it’s just made me realize I am an alcoholic and that I will never be able to drink successfully.

Answer

Thanks for sharing what happened. Your story illustrates just how easy it is to ‘slip up’ and relapse if we’re not vigilant all the time. Looks like the people/ places principle got to you.

I know it took me a long time before I was comfortable putting a foot into a bar, and for a long time only with others in recovery. It took much longer to be able to do that with drinkers. Anything that can trigger those old drinking memories and feelings needs to be avoided at all cost, especially early on.

The main thing now though is not to beat yourself up about it unnecessarily. You made a mistake and learned your lesson, now it’s time just to get back to basics and do the things that got you nine months sober in the first place. And try use the memory of how much this hurt you, as motivation to stay vigilant and do everything you know you need to (including staying away from high risk situations), to stay sober.

Stay strong and I’m sure you’ll get back on track soon.

Comments for
Relapsed Recently and Feel Terrible

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Rating

Get back on the Saddle
by: George

Mate, it happens. Put it down to experience. Has happened to the best of us. You'll be a better person for it at the end of the day. Get yourself to a few meetings, surround yourself with supportive people, and you'll put this behind you in no time.

Rating

It Happens
by: C-P

It happens. Don't be hard on yourself and just get yourself back on track. Sounds like your first 9 months were going well, so you obviously know what works for you. Get back to doing what you were doing. And you might want to reconsider spending time with those friends - for now anyway. Assuming they know your history, for them to make light of the situation, doesn't sound like the kind of support you should be getting right now.
All the Best