Relapse occurs when someone fails to maintain their goal of reducing or abstaining from alcohol or drugs and reverts to their previous levels of substance use. Like all chronic conditions, addiction has high relapse rates of between 40% and 60%.

This guide explores the interlinked nature of addiction and relapse, highlighting these key issues:

1. What is a relapse?
2. What does it mean to relapse on drugs?
3. What does relapse mean for long-term recovery?
4. Is it okay to relapse?
5. How can you connect with substance abuse relapse treatment in Southern California?

Alcohol and Drug Relapse Definition

What is a relapse in addiction? Alcohol and drug relapse refers to the return to previous substance use levels after a period of abstinence or attempts to moderate use. Relapse in recovery is characterized by the inability to maintain sustained recovery, often resulting in a resumption of problematic drinking or drug abuse.

Relapse can occur due to various factors, including triggers, stress, social pressures, underlying psychological issues, or inadequate coping strategies. Addiction relapse is a common challenge in recovery, and seeking support and appropriate treatment can prevent and address relapse effectively.

Is Relapsing Part of Recovery?

While relapse can be discouraging and disheartening, relapsing does not signify failure. In fact, relapse is often viewed as a common and expected part of the recovery process.

A relapse typically unfolds through a series of three stages:

1. Emotional relapse: The emotional relapse stage occurs even before the act of picking up drugs or alcohol. During this phase, individuals may struggle to manage their emotions in a healthy manner. They may suppress their feelings, isolate themselves from others, deny the existence of their problems, and neglect self-care. Although thoughts of substance use may not be at the forefront of their minds, avoiding emotions and challenging situations can lay the groundwork for a potential relapse in the future.
2. Mental relapse: In the mental relapse stage, conflicting feelings about sobriety manifest. While part of the individual desires to stay sober, another part wrestles with cravings and entertains thoughts of relapse. Mental relapse may involve romanticizing past drug use, downplaying the negative consequences associated with substance use, and actively seeking opportunities to engage in substance abuse.
3. Physical relapse: The physical relapse stage represents the final act of using drugs or alcohol. It begins with a momentary lapse, such as having one drink or taking a single dose of drugs. Unfortunately, this lapse can quickly escalate into a full-blown relapse, where individuals feel a loss of control over their substance use.

What is relapsing influenced by, then? Factors include:

1. Tempting situations: Certain situations or environments that remind someone of their past drug use can act as triggers for relapse.
2. Coping mechanisms: Difficult life circumstances may lead individuals to use substances as a coping strategy.
3. Pre-existing mental health and emotional issues: Depression, anxiety, trauma, or unresolved emotional conflicts can increase relapse risk.
4. Pre-existing physical health issues: Chronic pain or other physical health challenges may contribute to the temptation to misuse substances.
5. Guilt and lapse: Feelings of guilt after a relapse can perpetuate the cycle of continued substance use.

Relapse should be viewed as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a reason to give up. Addiction is a chronic condition and setbacks are a normal part of the journey. Recognizing factors that influence relapse allows individuals to develop strategies to prevent and manage it.

I Relapsed, Now What?

Managing relapse is an integral part of long-term alcohol and drug recovery. Effective solutions involve both immediate actions and long-term behavioral changes.

Immediate Steps

1. Seek medical support: Call for medical assistance if unusual or significant symptoms present.
2. Provide immediate support: Ensure supportive individuals are nearby.
3. Engage support network: Contact friends, physicians, or counseling services.

Short-Term and Medium-Term Steps

1. Normalize relapse: Reinforce that relapse is not failure but a common part of recovery.
2. Learn from the experience: Identify triggers, circumstances, and coping improvements.

Remember, relapse does not mean that recovery is impossible. Instead, treat it as a temporary setback and an opportunity for growth.

FAQs

What’s a relapse?

A relapse is when an individual experiences a setback or regression in their recovery journey, leading to a resumption of negative behaviors or symptoms.

What does relapse mean?

Relapse is the reoccurrence of symptoms or a return to harmful behaviors after a period of improvement.

Get Help for Drug and Alcohol Relapse at Gratitude Lodge

Shortcut the search for drug and alcohol relapse treatment by reaching out to Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. Our pet-friendly rehab centers in Newport Beach and Long Beach provide holistic, evidence-based care.

We offer medical detox, 30-day inpatient treatment, and personalized interventions including:

1. Psychotherapy
2. MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
3. Individual counseling
4. Group therapy
5. Family therapy
6. Holistic therapies

Our aftercare services include access to support groups for relapse. Call our admissions team at 844-576-0144.

Sources

1. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6175215/