There are a million and one reasons why people who struggle with an addiction relapse. They can be categorized into 11 reasons. Listen to a group of people in recovery from opiate addiction discuss their reasons for having relapsed in the past.

Discussion Guidelines:

Here's a list of eleven common reasons for relapsing:

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Grief and Loss

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Environment (housing, finances, unemployment, drugs)

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Reward

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Relationships with Drug Users

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Overwhelming Stress

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Abuse or Trauma

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Pain Relief (withdrawal symptoms, emotional or physical pain)

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Drinking (can lower inhibitions)

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Revenge (oppositional defiance)

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Not Being Fully Committed

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Self-Sabotage

What were your reasons for relapsing in the past?

What might cause you to relapse in the future?

Do you have a relapse prevention plan?

In what ways can you further develop your prevention plan?

Which of these eleven reasons might cause early relapse and premature drop-out from treatment?

Supplemental Reading:

Common Relapse Triggers, Alcohol Rehab

Terence Gorski, How To Develop A Relapse Prevention Plan