Being dysfunctional in sobriety is when a person in recovery has the same problems, if not more, than they did while using. These problems can be psychological, physical, or social. Just because a person is not drinking alcohol or using drugs doesn’t necessarily mean they are sober.
Oftentimes, people will detox and go through a treatment program without having a strong plan for continuing their sobriety. They will move through the motions of being sober but deep down they are still the same person they were while using.
The chances of a person in recovery who is dysfunctional in sobriety of relapsing are very high. This is primarily because being dysfunctional is hard to deal with and becomes very painful especially when sober. The temptation to use is extremely powerful for the individual and exceptionally hard.
Gorski, Terence T., and Merlene Miller. Staying Sober a Guide for Relapse Prevention. Independence, MO: Independence, 1986. Print.
