Overcoming "The Wall" ~ The 4 -to- 6 Month Period in Addiction Recovery

Google AI 09/19/2025:

Overcoming "The Wall" - How to Get Through the 4 to 6 Month Period of Substance Abuse related Abstinence [Stressor related, Success related, and Boredom related Psychodynamics, Sociological Activities, and Techniques]


Based on stages of addiction recovery, the spike in relapse risk around four months is often referred to as "The Wall". This occurs after the initial "Honeymoon Stage" has passed, when the motivation and positive feelings of early sobriety begin to fade and are replaced by the mental and emotional challenges of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).

The "Honeymoon Stage" (1–3 months)
During this initial period of abstinence, many people feel a strong sense of accomplishment and renewed energy. Positive changes become more noticeable, such as improved mood, better sleep, and more clarity, which can create a feeling of euphoria. This phase can sometimes lead to overconfidence, causing a recovering individual to become complacent with their recovery routine.

"The Wall" (4–6 months)
Around the 4-month mark, this "pink cloud" period typically ends. This is a difficult and discouraging phase marked by a potential increase in mental and emotional distress.

Key factors that increase the risk of relapse during this time include:

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): This includes persistent symptoms that come and go in waves, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, and disturbed sleep.

Increased Cravings and/or Obsessive Thinking: The emotional and physical discomfort of PAWS can lead to an increase in cravings for the substance, as the person's brain is still healing and learning to function without it.
Relationship problems: Conflict can arise with family and friends as old habits return and the initial excitement of recovery wears off.
Loss of motivation: The initial high of sobriety has passed, and some individuals may feel defeated or unmotivated. The daily work of recovery can feel less rewarding and more like a struggle.

An Idle Mind is the Devil's Playground:
When the mind is idle, it can become a breeding ground for anxiety, self-doubt, and negative thoughts, a phenomenon often described by the saying, "An idle mind is the devil's playground". An idle mind can lead to ruminative thinking, which is the habit of getting caught in repetitive, negative thought loops. Major emotions, in contrast, often provide a compelling distraction that temporarily occupies the mind and overrides these anxious thoughts.

The Six Main or Basic Emotions, as identified by psychologist Paul Ekman, are happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust. 

Dr. Michael Greene, "Those in recovery should beware of boredom, success/over-confidence, failure, and stressors. And, it is also important to know that forced happiness is not dependable. It is important to develop rational happiness/a state of well-being."

A. Dr. Michael Greene, "The 4 D's of Relapse Prevention are: Distract, Delay, De-Stress, and De-Catastrophize. "Five of the most, GENERAL, common relapse prevention strategies have include: skill development, therapy, connecting with others (and staying open and connected), monitoring (being thoroughly accountable to others), and medications."

B. Create a Structured Routine, including going to an Anonymous Group Meeting everyday or multiple times a day.

C. Build and Emerse in a Strong Support Network (ideally of the rooms of Anonymous Groups).

D. Be Aware of Post-Acute Withdraw Symptoms (PAWS) and develop Coping Skills related to substance abuse Triggers.

Trigger- a stimulus that initiates an Obsessive Thought Response (OTR) in someone in recovery from a substance use disorder or behavioral addiction.

Common Addiction related Triggers:
Stress & Anxiety,
People & Places,
Loneliness, Social Isolation, Boredom,
Negative Emotions

Other Relapse Triggers:
HALT - Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired,
Over-Confidence in Recovery,
Physical or Mental Illness,
Social Isolation,
Romantic Relationships,
New Jobs and Promotions,
Nostalgia for Substance Use or Particular Substance.

*In More Extreme Cases with particular addiction(s), where the addict has been in physical contact with molecules related to their addiction (that is, when physical "craving" has initiated), and where there is "mental obsession", and, effectually, RELAPSE has taken place, re-frame the relapse as a learning situation. And seek professional help by an addiction psychologist or specialist.

Due to abuses/injustices he has undergone, as of Thursday 10/23/2025, Dr. Michael Greene has been forced to take a sabbatical, though intends on completing this work, and continuing his service to others, in general, At a later date.

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