I remember thinking relapse meant I had failed. Again. The shame would hit before the high even wore off. I’d count the days since my last “day one,” try to stitch together excuses in my head, and swear I’d never tell anyone what really happened.
But here’s the truth I wish someone had told me sooner: relapse isn’t just about willpower. It’s often a signal—one that something deeper inside is still hurting.
When Sobriety Isn’t the Whole Story
Getting sober is one kind of hard. Staying sober while still battling depression, anxiety, or trauma? That’s a whole different kind of weight.
I didn’t understand the connection at first. I thought if I just “focused on recovery,” the rest would fall into place. But underneath my drinking, there was always something else: panic attacks I tried to laugh off, guilt I couldn’t shake, memories I refused to name. I wasn’t just craving the substance—I was trying to silence what was screaming inside.
Mental Health Isn’t Separate from Addiction—It’s Part of It
In North Carolina and across the country, more and more people are recognizing what research has shown for years: addiction and mental health challenges often walk hand-in-hand.
1 in 3 people with addiction also struggle with depression or anxiety.
That doesn’t make you broken. It makes you human. And it might help explain why relapse happens even when you “should be doing better.”
When I finally got honest about what was going on underneath—when I stopped pretending I was just someone who “liked to drink too much” and started talking about the grief and anger and shame—I realized my relapse wasn’t a weakness. It was a message.
What My Relapse Taught Me About Recovery
It wasn’t until I connected with a program that treated both the mental and emotional layers of addiction that things started to shift. At places like Ascend Recovery Center in North Carolina, they don’t just help you stop using—they help you understand why you started in the first place.
I learned to name my triggers. To understand that a bad mental health day didn’t mean I was doomed. That I could ask for help before the spiral took over.
Recovery isn’t about pretending the darkness never existed. It’s about finally having a flashlight to look around in there—and not doing it alone.
“I thought I had to choose between being clean and being numb. Turns out, healing can actually feel good.”
— Former IOP Client, North Carolina
You’re Not Starting Over—You’re Starting Differently
If you’ve relapsed, I want to say this as clearly as I can: You didn’t fail. You learned something. And learning counts.
Maybe this time, you don’t have to white-knuckle it. Maybe this time, you get support for your whole self—your mind, your memories, your story.
Maybe this time, you give yourself permission to heal, not just stay sober.
And maybe this time, you let someone walk beside you instead of trying to do it all alone.
What Help Can Look Like in North Carolina
At Ascend Recovery Center, they understand that treating addiction means treating the whole person. That means addressing:
- Depression that saps your energy and motivation
- Anxiety that keeps you on edge or leads you to self-medicate
- Trauma that lives in your body and memory
- The loneliness that lingers even in recovery
They offer therapy, group support, and clinical care that works with you, not against you. It’s not about punishing relapse. It’s about rebuilding trust—with yourself and others.
If you live in North Carolina and you’re struggling to stay sober, know that this kind of help exists. And it’s okay to reach for it.
FAQ: Mental Health and Addiction
Is relapse common for people with both mental health and addiction issues?
Yes. Co-occurring mental health disorders can increase the risk of relapse, especially if they’re untreated. It’s not about failure—it’s about needing more comprehensive support.
How do I know if my relapse is connected to my mental health?
If you notice a pattern—relapsing when you’re depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or triggered—that’s a strong sign your mental health plays a role in your recovery. A qualified provider can help you untangle the connection.
Can I get help for both at the same time?
Absolutely. Programs like Ascend Recovery Center specialize in treating both mental health and addiction together. You deserve care that sees the full picture.
What if I’m ashamed to go back to treatment?
That shame is heavy, but it doesn’t have to define you. At the right place, you’ll be met with understanding, not judgment. Your willingness to return is strength, not weakness.
Is there help available in North Carolina specifically?
Yes. Ascend Recovery Center North Carolina offers outpatient and intensive outpatient programs tailored to people dealing with relapse, mental health struggles, and addiction. Local support can make all the difference.
Ready to Take the First Step?
📞 Call Ascend Recovery Center North Carolina at (844) 628-9997. You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to feel done doing it alone. Let this be the step that helps you heal the whole you.
