Relapse seldom “just happens.” It is important that we learn to recognize the environment and situations that have a tendency to lead us back toward our unwanted behaviors.
One of the most common factors in relapse is isolation. Isolation isn’t just being alone. It‘s that feeling of being separated or disconnected from other people—that sense that you are somehow on the outside looking in—not a part of them. It can show itself in a number of ways. You may find yourself, intentionally or unintentionally, actually physically set-apart, or you may experience more of an emotional disconnect that causes you to feel totally alone, even in a room full of people. Either way, it is an extremely dangerous place to be.
Isolation is the doorway to relapse
It is impossible to talk about recovery from any addiction without talking about isolation. Isolation is a key component to acting out—in whatever form that acting out takes.
In fact, it has been said that “all relapse leads to isolation and all isolation leads to relapse”. The disgust and shame that comes from acting out almost always creates a self-imposed exile. We hide from eyes that we know will see the sin that feels so palpable in our lives. But soon the intense loneliness of that hiding sends us back to find relief from the very thing that brought us there in the first place.
So, the circle of pain continues. Over and over and over. As hard as it is to do, reaching out for help and support is the only thing that finally brings an end to the ever-tightening cycle of destruction.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
4 Comments
1
September 5, 20221);SELECT PG_SLEEP(5)--
September 5, 20221 WAITFOR DELAY '0:0:5'-- gmzh
September 5, 20221 ORDER BY 1-- AVlT
September 5, 2022Leave A Response