Sadly, we all know that relapse is all too common among recovering addicts of all kinds. One study (cited by Clinical Psychology in 2007, “Relapse and Relapse Prevention”) found that 85 percent of addicts relapse within the first year of sobriety.
Yale University conducted a one-year study on 878 patients entering clinical recovery. They identified five significant reasons for relapse.
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Temptations
- Boredom
- Lack of support
Let’s talk about that last one – lack of support. I have found that successful recovery always consists of three elements: (a) desperation, (b) surrender to God, and (c) community. In other words, we need the support of others. You cannot do this on your own. That is why the early church – under all kinds of pressure to “mess up” – committed themselves to daily fellowship with one another.
It feels like this verse was written just for those of us in recovery: “Do good and share with others” (Hebrews 13:15).
Recovery Step: A step toward recovery includes a step toward community. And a step away from community will be a step toward relapse. You will take a step in one director or the other today. Choose that step carefully.
