Relapse is a term that many people encounter on their journey to recovery from addiction. Understanding what relapse is and how to prevent it is crucial for long-term success and sobriety. In simple terms, relapse means returning to substance abuse or addictive behavior after a period of abstinence—but the full definition of relapse is more complex and nuanced.
In our guide, we will explain what it means to relapse, review the warning signs of relapse, and offer you useful prevention strategies. We will also cover the negative effects of relapse on recovery, as well as the benefits of seeking help if you or a loved one has relapsed. Lastly, you will find answers to common questions about relapse in our FAQ section.
What Is Relapse?
Relapse is defined as a return to addictive behavior a person struggles with—for instance, alcohol consumption, drug use, or gambling. A person who goes through a relapse is someone who has paused their harmful habits only to pick them up again after a while.
While relapse is undoubtedly a setback, it is important to remember it is often a part of the recovery process—many individuals can learn from their mistakes, resume the treatment after the relapse, and ultimately, succeed in their recovery journey.
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Stages of Relapse
There are three main stages of relapse you should be aware of:
- Emotional relapse. During this stage, a person has not returned to their addictive behavior yet, but their negative emotions and stress start to get out of control. If you are unable to manage your emotions, you may be on the path to relapse.
- Mental relapse. At this point, a person starts to struggle internally—they may feel guilty about resuming their addiction while romanticizing their past behavior at the same time.
- Physical relapse. This stage begins when a person returns to their addiction—for example, they may go to a bar to drink or meet with their old friends who used to enable their drug use.
Signs of Relapse
Here are some common symptoms of relapse you or your loved one may observe:
- Difficulty managing emotions. If a person seems to be anxious, angry, or depressed, and their behavior is erratic and out of character, they may be on the verge of relapse.
- Withdrawal from social life. When a person suddenly stops going out and spending time with their friends, preferring isolation instead, this is a major red flag.
- Return to old habits. In case you notice a person has skipped their therapy session or doctor’s appointment or started hanging out with their old friends who used to fuel their addiction, they may have relapsed.
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Effects of Relapse
Relapse can negatively affect the person struggling with addiction as well as their family and friends:
- Poor mental health. Relapse is often followed by feelings of guilt and shame—a person may start blaming themselves for failing to stick to their recovery plan.
- Worsening of physical condition. Depending on the addiction, a person may have suffered from various health issues in the past—returning to drugs, alcohol, or an eating disorder may have disastrous consequences for their health.
- Damage to personal relationships. Addiction often leads to fights with friends and family members—a relapse may mean the people who care about the individual struggling with addiction decide to cut off contact for their own peace of mind.
How to Prevent Relapse
Follow these tips to avoid relapse:
- Recognize the triggers. Every person has their own triggering circumstances that may lead to addiction, from seemingly harmless places that remind the individual of their past behavior to certain people that may exert a negative influence on them.
- Take care of your mental health. It is crucial to adhere to the treatment plan designed specifically for your recovery—continue going to therapy, visiting your doctor, meditating, and sticking to a healthy lifestyle.
- Build a support network. Surround yourself with people you can rely on—open up to your friends and family, join a support group to meet individuals who are on a similar journey, and reach out to a mental health professional whenever you feel like you are about to relapse.
FAQs
What is the definition of a relapse?
Relapse is the return to substance use or addictive behavior (such as gambling or eating disorders) after a person has tried to recover from addiction and abstained from their harmful habits.
What are the signs of a relapse?
Some of the relapse symptoms are not obvious; however, you may be able to spot the signs of relapse if the person starts struggling with their emotions, skips their therapy sessions, and withdraws from their social circle.
How common is it to relapse?
It is estimated that the majority of people—over 90%—who struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol will relapse at some point. The silver lining here is that relapse is normal—many people can learn from this experience and successfully return to their recovery.
What are the three stages of relapse?
The relapse process consists of three stages: emotional (a person is unable to control their emotions), mental (a person struggles with their internal thoughts), and physical (a person returns to their addiction).
What should you do if you relapse?
After you have relapsed, confide in a person you trust—your friend, family member, or therapist. Analyze the reasons behind the relapse, amend your recovery plan to adjust it to the new circumstances, and look for professional help—you may want to enroll in a rehabilitation program to benefit from therapy and medical care.
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Reach Out to Bakersfield Recovery Center
Now that you are aware of the dangers of relapse and the best practices to prevent it, remember that this setback is not the end of your recovery journey. Many people struggle with addiction—and fortunately, help is always available. Whether you are concerned for yourself or a person you care about, you can always get in touch with mental health professionals to guide you.
If you or your loved one is battling addiction, feel free to contact Bakersfield Recovery Center. Our team is prepared to design a personalized treatment plan for every patient and assist you on your path to recovery. Give us a call to learn more about our services.
