Use & Relapse Dreams
Use Dreams and Relapse Dreams - Vivid dreams involving drinking and drug use are common among individuals in recovery and can be more severe for those with clinical histories of alcohol and other drug problems.
"Anecdotally, the occurrence of drinking and drug-using dreams is a known phenomenon among people in recovery, but very little is known from an epidemiological standpoint about the prevalence of such dreams, their relation to relapse risk, and how they decay with time in recovery," says lead author John F. Kelly, PhD, founder and director of the Recovery Research Institute. "Given that these dreams can be deeply unnerving, more information could help treatment providers, those in recovery and their families know what to expect going forward."
Learning how to navigate these dreams on our own can be extremely difficult and even disheartening for someone in recovery because it makes us feel helpless in our battle against addiction. However, there are a few explanations as to why we are having these dreams, and they are all GOOD signs!
Our brain is practicing change. Think of these dreams as a “conditioning camp” because it is your inner mind’s way of “practicing” how to deal with cravings, utilizing coping strategies, navigating triggering situations, etc.
Our brain is resetting itself. During our addictions, we usually do not have normal dream activity. Substance abuse is known to suppress REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycles, a necessary state for dreams to occur and our brain will attempt a “REM-rebound” once our substance has stopped. Due to our brain ‘s reward center now being over-stimulated, it is possible that these factors are uppermost in your subconscious mind. And dream content is extracted from the subconscious.
Our cravings may intensify. Dreams can be said to give us our “state of mind message.” If we are experiencing increased stress, or are faltering in our resolve, our dreams may be indicating feelings of ambivalence. HOWEVER! Just because we crave, does not mean we have to use!
The early recovery process is the hardest and most exhilarating part and these dreams keep us “on our toes”. Use dreams keep us aware of our vulnerability to our addictions. They help keep our resolve to remain sober at the forefront of our minds and remind us that we need to take our time. Recovery is not an overnight process and to remain requires one to practice daily.
Enjoy this short video from Drive Thru Recovery on the subject of Use Dreams.
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Sources Cited:
https://recovery.org/pro/articles/dreams-in-recovery-using-and-relapse-dreams-what-do-they-mean/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190212190849.htm