#35 Hitting the Wall

We all know about the acute withdrawal symptoms that come when abruptly stopping drug use. Especially any opioid drug. The fear of that intense withdrawal after all, is precisely why it is so difficult to stop using drugs in the first place. Detox treatment overseen by a medical professional is necessary to accomplish the first days and weeks in sobriety. Then comes some level of intensive therapy. Clarity is gained, coping skills and tools are learned, overall physical and mental health is restored. The new energy and vigor for life brings renewal. We feel so good for the first time in so long. We believe wholeheartedly that we will never return to our active addiction. This early recovery “adrenaline” carries us for months and even years. But then, for some reason, many of us seem to hit the wall, blindsided. Relapse often occurs and it comes as a complete surprise. Listen to what I learned about Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and the role it plays in relapse after solid years in Recovery, and more importantly how to guard against it.