Relapse Prevention Is More Than Stopping the Substance
Understanding the Pain Beneath Addiction
You know, after years of working in substance use treatment, I’ve realized something: addiction is nuanced. Early on, I saw how high relapse rates were, and over time, I’ve come to my own perspective on why. We often focus too much on the substance and not enough on the pain underneath it.
Why Stopping Isn’t the Same as Healing
Relapse prevention isn’t just about removing a substance. People often say, “I’ll just stay busy.” Sure, structure and healthy distractions are important, but if we stop there, we miss the real work: addressing the underlying pain.
I didn’t understand that at first in my own journey. I thought if I just stopped using, everything would be fine. And many families think the same. If the person stops, life goes back to normal. But it doesn’t. Sometimes the pain quietly grows once the substance is gone.
The substance serves a purpose. It quiets the noise and pain. Once a person is able to actually break the cycle of substance use, only then are they able to begin addressing the problem the substance was treating.
The Real Work of Recovery
Yes, early recovery needs meetings, routines, and rituals. But the real goal is to help people recognize the nuances of addiction.
Mindfulness, self-discovery, and digging into the underlying pain matter. I had a friend, 26 years clean, who told me that the overwhelming negative sense of self doesn’t just disappear. At first, that was disheartening, but it was honest.
Recovery isn’t about eliminating discomfort. It’s about recognizing it, managing it, and making sure it does not dictate your life.
Why Relapse Prevention Requires Support
Relapse prevention is more than saying no or staying busy. It is about creating time, space, and support to uncover and heal what’s underneath.
People in recovery do not just want to stop. They want to reconnect with themselves, with others, and with life.
The Power of Relapse Prevention Groups
One of the greatest benefits of a relapse prevention group is shared experience.
After treatment or after stopping a substance, people often face unexpected emotions, challenges, and adversity. Meeting in a group helps individuals realize they are not alone.
When we share our struggles, whether it is early recovery discomfort, family dynamics, or that negative sense of self, perspective grows. In group, we receive support and also witness how others navigate similar obstacles.
Together, we explore healthier perspectives, learn new tools, and remind each other that adversity is not proof of failure. It is part of the process.
A group allows us to reflect, adapt, and grow, turning recovery into a shared path rather than a solitary one.
A Next Step in Your Recovery
If you are navigating early recovery, working to prevent relapse, or feeling stuck beneath the surface even after stopping substance use, support matters.
Michael Green, CAC-AD, facilitates relapse prevention work at Recovery Collective that focuses on the real issues underneath addiction, not just the behavior itself. His approach blends lived experience, clinical insight, and group connection to help people move forward with clarity and support.
You can learn more about working with Michael or explore our Relapse Prevention Group to see if it is the right next step for you.
Recovery does not happen in isolation. It happens when pain is understood, shared, and met with the right support.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, schedule a confidential call with Michael Green, CAC-AD
Authored By: Michael Green
