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Recovery Fatigue: What to Do When the Applause Fades?

By: Jamelia Hand MHS CADC CODP CEO



Many years ago, I worked with a client who seemed to have everything going for her. She had a supportive family, a good job, and plenty of what we call recovery capital. Early in her recovery, everything felt new and exciting. She was hitting milestones, learning, and constantly receiving praise from her loved ones. Each accomplishment was celebrated, and it felt like she was on top of the world.


But as time passed, things started to change. The applause faded. Her family and friends grew accustomed to her sobriety, and the initial excitement wore off. They’d gone through a lot with her. So much of their lives have been managing themselves and her during her active use and they were exhausted. They deserved this break where they didn’t have to live in a constant (heightened) state of anxiety because of her actions. They still supported her, but returned to their lives and rituals. Suddenly, recovery didn’t feel as rewarding for her. It felt routine, and that routine eventually felt exhausting. She wasn’t at risk of picking up again, but she was struggling to stay engaged. What she didn’t realize was that she was experiencing recovery fatigue, something many people in long-term recovery face.


What Is Recovery Fatigue?


Recovery fatigue happens when the initial excitement and novelty of being sober wears off, and maintaining sobriety starts to feel more like a burden than a purpose. Like any long-term relationship, your relationship with recovery can hit periods where it feels less rewarding, less fulfilling, and frankly, boring.


It’s also common to experience grief during this phase. Grief over the loss of your relationship with drugs, alcohol, or even behaviors like gaming or sex. These substances and behaviors once played an intimate role in your life, and while they no longer serve your greater good, it doesn’t mean you won’t miss them. It’s okay to grieve that loss. Letting go of something that once gave you comfort, even if it was harmful, can be painful. Acknowledging this grief is part of the process of staying sober and moving forward.


Understanding Recovery Capital


To navigate recovery fatigue, it’s important to understand recovery capital, which refers to the resources, both internal and external, that help sustain sobriety. These resources include:


1. Personal Capital: Your self-esteem, coping skills, and emotional resilience.


2. Social Capital: Support from family, friends, and peers in recovery.


3. Community Capital: Access to healthcare, employment, and safe housing.


4. Cultural Capital: Societal attitudes that support recovery and wellness.


When recovery fatigue sets in, it often means that your recovery capital needs to be replenished. What worked in the early stages of sobriety may no longer be enough to keep you engaged. This is normal, and it’s a sign that your sobriety plan needs to evolve.


Sobriety Planning: Preventing Relapse Before It Starts


Relapse doesn’t happen the moment someone picks up a drink, drug, or addictive behavior. It begins long before that… Often when someone starts feeling disconnected from their recovery, unmotivated, or emotionally drained. The key is recognizing these signs early and adjusting your sobriety plan before things spiral.


Here’s how to refresh your plan and stay engaged:


1. Join an Alumni Program


Many treatment centers offer alumni programs that keep people connected after they complete treatment. These programs provide opportunities to build community, attend events, and stay involved in a supportive network.


2. Attend Different Types of Recovery Meetings


If meetings have started to feel repetitive or uninspiring, try attending different kinds of meetings or groups. Sometimes a change of scenery or a new perspective can reignite your interest.


3. Volunteer or Give Back


Giving back is one of the most powerful ways to stay connected to your recovery. Volunteer at a local shelter, speak at meetings, or mentor someone who is new to sobriety. Helping others reminds you of why you chose this path and brings a sense of purpose.


4. Share Your Story


I often bring people with lived experience to my training sessions. Sharing their story not only helps the audience learn, but it also gives the speaker a chance to reflect on their journey and feel empowered by how far they’ve come.


5. Explore New Challenges


If life feels stagnant, it may be time to set new goals or take on a new challenge. Whether it’s picking up a hobby, learning a skill, or working toward a professional milestone, new challenges keep things fresh and exciting.


6. Rebuild or Expand Your Support Network


Recovery is a journey you shouldn’t take alone. If you’ve lost touch with your support network, reconnect with old friends or find new groups to join. Staying connected can prevent feelings of isolation and fatigue.


7. Adjust Your Tools


The tools that helped you get sober may not be the same tools you need to stay sober. Over time, you may need to replace or adjust those tools. Whether it’s seeking therapy, engaging in mindfulness practices, or finding new coping mechanisms, it’s okay to evolve your approach.


Tips for Providers: Supporting Clients Through Recovery Fatigue


Providers play a crucial role in helping clients navigate recovery fatigue. Here’s how you can help:


• Offer Alumni Engagement Opportunities: Build alumni programs that foster long-term connection and community.


• Encourage Sobriety Planning: Help clients develop personalized sobriety plans that evolve as they progress in their recovery. You can also process these feeling in group therapy. I’ve learned that this topic can inspire valuable discussions.


• Normalize the Experience of Fatigue: Let clients know that feeling bored or disconnected is normal and can be worked through.


• Provide Opportunities for Clients to Give Back: Create roles for clients to mentor others or share their stories in a safe environment.


• Incorporate Personal Development Goals: Encourage clients to set new goals outside of sobriety, such as career, education, or personal growth milestones.


How Vantage Clinical Consulting Can Help


At Vantage Clinical Consulting, we understand the importance of long-term engagement in recovery. We help treatment providers design and implement alumni programs, offer training opportunities for people with lived experience, and build systems that keep clients motivated and connected long after they leave treatment.


Our services include:

• Alumni Program Development: Tailored programs to keep former clients engaged.

• Peer Mentorship Training: Empowering alumni to support and mentor others in recovery.

• Event Coordination: Organizing workshops, speaker panels, and volunteer opportunities.

• Staff Training: Helping providers recognize and address recovery fatigue in their clients.


Whether you’re a provider looking to enhance your programs or someone in recovery searching for new ways to stay engaged, we’re here to help.


Final Thoughts


Recovery fatigue is real, but it’s not a sign of failure, it’s a sign of growth. When the applause fades and the excitement wears off, it’s an opportunity to deepen your commitment, find new ways to stay engaged, and continue evolving.


Remember, recovery is more than just staying sober, it’s about building a fulfilling, meaningful life. If you’re feeling stuck, know that it’s okay to ask for help, adjust your plan, and seek out new experiences. You’ve come this far, PLEASE KEEP GOING!!


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