Avoiding vulnerability is a common relapse response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and relapse opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Relapse
- Concealing relapse from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when relapse is high is enormous
- Shame about relapse thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of relapse often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Relapse
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in relapse) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and relapse. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Relapse
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.