Relapse Dreams - What Do They Mean?

I had my same sneaky behaviours, ordering my food after everyone else, so while I waited, I could go out to the pub for a quick one or planning bus trips to get home later than required so I could drink before going home.  Those sorts of behaviours, but now relapse dreams do not scare me, the sneaky behaviours scare me more than the drinking, as I know they do not mean I want to have a drink. 

My dream also involved a car auction, that’s a whole other story for another day, but involves a painful relationship.  I have a very good feeling these dreams are coming up for me because I am working with an amazing emotional energy healer at the moment, Maureen Gaetz-Faubert (www.headtoheart.ca), so there is a lot coming up for me, so my dreams are going to be utterly crazy for a while.

So do not panic when you have one, and it doesn’t matter if you have been sober 1 day, 1 week, 1 year or 10, the creepy dreams still seem to wiggle their way into our psyche, but what do they mean?

Relapse dreams are a common experience for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. These vivid and often distressing dreams typically involve scenarios where the person returns to using drugs or alcohol after a period of sobriety. While these dreams can be unsettling, they don't necessarily indicate an impending relapse or failure in recovery.

Understanding Relapse Dreams

Prevalence and Patterns

Approximately one-third of people in recovery report experiencing relapse dreams. These dreams tend to be more common in early recovery and among those with more severe substance use histories. The frequency of relapse dreams generally decreases the longer a person remains in recovery.

Psychological Underpinnings

Relapse dreams often reflect the mind's process of:

1. Processing emotions related to recovery
2. Confronting fears and anxieties about maintaining sobriety
3. Dealing with internal conflicts between past substance use and new recovery goals

Meaning and Significance

Rather than being a negative sign, relapse dreams may actually indicate positive aspects of recovery:

1. Brain Healing: These dreams could be a sign of the brain and mind adapting to abstinence and stabilizing during recovery.
2. Subconscious Processing: They may represent the subconscious mind working through memories and emotions associated with substance use.
3. Virtual Reality Practice: Some experts suggest these dreams might serve as a form of mental rehearsal for facing real-life temptations.
4. Recovery Focus: The occurrence of relapse dreams might indicate a strong commitment to recovery and heightened awareness of potential risks.

Factors Influencing Relapse Dreams

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of relapse dreams:

- Severity and duration of past substance use

- Length of time in recovery

- Stress and emotional distress

- Exposure to triggers in daily life

- Co-occurring mental health conditions

Implications for Recovery

While distressing, relapse dreams do not necessarily predict actual relapse. In fact, they may serve beneficial purposes in recovery:

1. Self-Reflection: These dreams can prompt individuals to reflect on their recovery progress and identify areas needing attention.
2. Reinforcing Commitment: The relief experienced upon waking often reinforces the individual's desire to maintain sobriety.
3. Opportunity for Support: Frequent relapse dreams may signal a need for additional support or treatment.

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