218. The Risk of Complacency in Sobriety, and What to Do About It

How do you know if you’re content in sobriety… or slipping into complacency?

In this episode 218 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick Fox explores the hidden risk of complacency in recovery, and why it often shows up more quietly than you expect.

From thoughts like “maybe just one drink will be different this time”, to forgetting the chaos alcohol once caused, Patrick unpacks how the mind subtly tries to convince you it’s safe to let your guard down.

He also tackles the fear of complacency, the panic that can come when you over-analyse every thought about alcohol and shows how to find the balance between staying aware and living in peace.

With insights from relapse prevention research, practical tools, and reflection prompts, Patrick gives listeners a clear path to stay ahead of complacency without living in fear.

Cool Key Takeaways:

• Complacency often begins in the emotional and mental stages of relapse, long before a drink is taken.

• The difference between complacency (drifting without awareness) and contentment (living at peace while intentional).

• Why thoughts like “maybe it’ll be different this time” are just confirmation bias at work.

• How building resilience protects you, while overconfidence can put you at risk.

• Practical steps to revisit your why, maintain routines, and grow beyond sobriety.

Article:

⁠Addiction Relapse Prevention⁠

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