Tim

The Sober and Happy Podcast

Tim Phillips

  • #77: Top 7 Relapse Warning Signs (According To The Listeners)

#77: Top 7 Relapse Warning Signs (According To The Listeners)

Friday 5th April 2024

Tim Phillips shares the top 7 relapse warning signs and practical advice on staying sober in this engaging episode of The Sober and Happy Podcast.
11 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Encouraging
Honest
Motivational

About this podcast

The Sober and Happy Podcast
Author:
Tim
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
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Top 7 Relapse Warning Signs: Insights from the Sober Community

Episode Overview

  • Recognise the dangers of fantasising about the past.
  • Avoid complacency by consistently working on personal growth.
  • Create new habits to combat mental and emotional attachment to substances.
  • Make tough choices to distance yourself from triggering environments.
  • Stay connected to your support group to reduce relapse risk.
We can't just ignore these things and hope that they go away. Take action today.
In this episode of The Sober and Happy Podcast, Tim Phillips dives into a crucial topic for anyone on the recovery journey - recognising the top 7 relapse warning signs. Tim, who has over a decade of sobriety under his belt, shares valuable insights from his own experiences and those of his listeners.
He kicks off by discussing the dangers of fantasising about the 'good old days' and how nostalgia can distort our memories, making us forget the chaos addiction brought into our lives. Tim emphasises the importance of staying present and focusing on building a brighter future. Next, he tackles complacency, warning that taking recovery for granted can undo months of progress. Tim uses a relatable gym analogy to explain how skipping efforts in recovery can make us vulnerable to relapse.
He also highlights the mental and emotional battle of addiction, pointing out that quitting substances is just one part of the journey. Creating new habits is crucial to prevent obsessing over alcohol or drugs. Tim doesn’t shy away from discussing the tough choices we have to make in recovery, such as distancing ourselves from old friends and environments that trigger addictive behaviours. He shares his own story of giving up a weekly pool tournament to protect his sobriety.
Isolation is another red flag he addresses, noting how it can lead to loneliness and depression, making us more susceptible to relapse. Anger, resentment, and mood swings are also on the list, with Tim explaining how these emotions can mask deeper issues and damage relationships. Finally, he underscores the importance of staying connected to support groups, whether it's AA meetings or other recovery circles. Without this connection, the risk of relapse increases significantly.
This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories that will resonate with anyone on the path to sobriety. If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself, Tim challenges you to take action today. Reach out to a friend, reconnect with your support group, and keep pushing towards a sober and happy life.