Recovering from alcohol or substance abuse is a process that takes time. It’s important to know that recovery is a lifelong process and relapses may occur along the way - however, relapse prevention is always the aim.
What Is Relapse?
A relapse happens when an individual with a past addiction stops maintaining his or her goal of avoiding substance use and returns to previous levels of use.
Addiction is a chronic condition, so relapse is often seen as a normal part of the recovery process. It is common for those attempting to overcome addiction to go through one or more relapses before successfully quitting. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40% and 60% of addicts will inevitably relapse.
Good treatment programs plan ahead for the possibility by including a relapse prevention plan as part of the process.
Stages & Warning Signs Of Relapse
Relapse isn't a sudden event - it is a process that occurs over a period of time from weeks to even months. This process includes several stages that allow early recognition of signs and symptoms.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), the stages of relapse include:
Emotional Relapse
During this stage, individuals are not thinking about drinking or using a substance, however their emotions and behaviors might be placing them at a higher risk of future use.
Signs:
Experiencing isolation
Low social support
Not attending or sharing in meetings
Poor self-care
Focusing on other people’s problems instead of their own
Mental Relapse
During this stage, an individual is thinking about using, perhaps missing their former friends and activities - while battling the desire to remain abstinent.
Signs:
Craving a substance
Thinking about, maybe even missing the people, places, and things associated with their substance use
Exaggerating the positive aspects of past use
Minimizing the consequences of past use,
Lying, bargaining, or trying to plan ways to use while still maintaining control
Seeking opportunities to relapse
Physical Relapse
This stage involves an individual resuming the use of the substance once again.
Relapse Prevention Plan
A relapse prevention plan, sometimes called a personal recovery plan, is designed to help individuals recognize and manage triggers, avoid high-risk situations, and cope effectively with the challenges of maintaining sobriety.
It begins with the identification of personal triggers—such as specific emotions, people, places, or stressful situations—that might provoke substance use. For each identified trigger, an individual develops tailored coping strategies, which may include techniques like mindfulness, engaging in healthy activities, or seeking support from friends or mentors.
The plan also includes established routines to provide structure and reduce uncertainty, support systems of family, friends, and recovery groups, and detailed actions to take in high-risk scenarios to prevent a relapse.
In addition, a relapse prevention plan includes an emergency action plan outlining specific steps to follow if relapse occurs, aiming to minimize its impact and quickly return to the recovery path. This comprehensive approach helps individuals in recovery to feel prepared and supported in managing their sobriety.
What To Do When You Relapse
Firstly, recognize that relapses happen - it doesn’t mean failure. A relapse indicates an individual needs some extra support and treatment right now and it’s best to find a treatment program and get help immediately.
Getting Help For Addiction
If you or somebody in your life seems to have an issue with alcohol or drugs, or is suffering from addiction, professional help may be the best option for recovery.
At Care Addiction Center, we offer treatment plans that address every facet of your addiction, serving individuals in Geneva, Batavia, Sycamore, St. Charles, and Kane County, with online addiction treatment available anywhere in Illinois.
To get started on the road to recovery, or if you have questions about helping yourself or a loved one, call us today or schedule a confidential assessment online and begin treatment.