What Is a Relapse After Recovery?

Relapse is defined as the recurrence of behaviors that indicate a condition or disease is active or worsening. A person who has relapsed with drugs or alcohol use may return to an active state of using the substance after a period of not using. As a result, they may have difficulty controlling their behavior.

Recovery is about more than not using drugs or alcohol. It's about creating a lifestyle that can help a person maintain their recovery goals. The goal of addiction treatment is recovery, and part of the recovery process includes talking about relapse, since it can occur in recovery.

Read more to learn about types and stages of relapse, as well as relapse prevention strategies.

How Common Is Relapse?

No one is perfect, and managing addiction is challenging. For some, relapse is part of recovery.

According to a review of relapse prevention, lapse and relapse are not only possible, but common within and after the first year of seeking treatment. Treatment for addiction can help clients work through a relapse and begin taking active steps to change their behavior. 

Types of Relapse

Substance Abuse Relapse

Substance abuse relapse occurs when a person who has been away from using a substance for some time begins using again. A lapse is viewed as the initial or one-time use after not using, while a relapse is characterized by uncontrolled or continued use of substances.

A traditional relapse involves a person choosing to use again, while a "freelapse" occurs when a person unintentionally becomes intoxicated.

Mental Health Relapse

A mental health relapse occurs when a person begins experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition that worsen or lead to decreased functioning. For instance, a person who had experienced a period of remission from depression begins feeling hopeless, has a low mood, or has thoughts of death again may have relapsed.

Physical Illness Relapse

The resurgence of physical health symptoms after a period of well-being signifies a physical health relapse.

Why Addiction Relapse Happens: The Brain After Addiction

Addiction is considered a brain disease. Research shows that the use of drugs and alcohol can alter the brain.

With addiction, the brain's reward center is activated. The influence of dopamine, the "happy" chemical, can cause changes in the brain. Substance use can affect the brain by damaging systems responsible for cognitive control.

Stages of Relapse

Relapse is a gradual process. It can begin with an emotional relapse, followed by mental and then physical relapses. Awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be indicators of where someone is and what they may need regarding recovery. 

Emotional Relapse

During this stage, a person may not be thinking about using drugs or alcohol, but their emotions may be placing them in jeopardy of relapse.

During an emotional relapse, a person can experience:

• Feelings of denial
• Isolation
• Low motivation to take care of oneself
• Not attending treatment

Focusing on self-care from a psychological, emotional, and physical perspective can improve a person's emotional state.

Mental Relapse

While thinking about relapsing is a normal part of recovery, it can become problematic when there is a preoccupation with using. An individual may think about or have the desire to use.

In addition to cravings, signs of a mental relapse include:

• Finding opportunities to use
• Thinking about positive experiences related to using
• Being dishonest about thoughts and feelings
• Downplaying consequences from past use

At this stage, working toward avoiding triggers or situations for relapse is critical.

Physical Relapse

Physical relapse occurs when a person starts using again. Once this happens, it may not be easy to control behavior or stop using.

Risk Factors for Relapse

Relapse occurs for different reasons. There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of relapse, including:

• Stress
• Exposure to triggers
• Peer pressure or being around people who use the substance
• Interpersonal problems
• Pain
• Lack of support
• Boredom
• Low self-efficacy
  

Self-efficacy refers to a person's confidence in their own ability to achieve something. When a person's self-efficacy is low, they may have a hard time believing in their ability to maintain abstinence.

Research shows that social support indicates long-term success, while peer pressure and unsupportive relationships can lead to relapse.

Dangerous Factors

The following factors make the risk of overdose especially dangerous:

• History of overdose: A person who has overdosed before has a higher risk of overdosing again. Some factors that can increase risk are tolerance, mixing substances, or the quality of drugs.
• Opioid use: A relapse with opioids can be dangerous because these drugs slow a person's breathing, placing them at a higher risk of overdosing or leading to death.
• Lack of access to health care: Lack of access to health care means a person may be unable to get the treatment they require when an overdose occurs, need detox, or seek to manage addiction with medical and mental health professionals.
  

Relapse Is Not a Failure

A person may feel defeated when they relapse. It can bring on feelings of shame, frustration, and often cause someone to feel as if they are incapable of changing their behavior or achieving their goals. 

Viewing relapse as a failure is one perspective. However, relapse can be an opportunity to reset, develop clear needs and goals, and continue. Relapse should always be taken seriously. Refocusing on recovery and further relapse prevention with a care team is crucial.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

Relapse prevention is a vital aspect of recovery and incorporates a host of strategies, including: 

• Lifestyle changes: Establishing a routine with regular sleep, exercising, and implementing relaxation techniques can help.
• Cognitive and family therapy interventions: Through cognitive and family therapy interventions, patients evaluate how they view themselves, their addictive behaviors, and recovery. Additionally, they can learn skills, find support, and identify ways to navigate familial and interpersonal relationships.
• Making a relapse prevention plan: Creating a relapse prevention plan allows people to recognize triggers and high-risk situations, explore lifestyle changes, and gain coping skills to deal with thoughts, emotions, and cravings.
  

Summary

Relapse is a return to a state of substance use. It often begins with a person's emotional and cognitive state. A relapse doesn't mean failure. Instead, it can be an opportunity to examine what lifestyle changes, coping skills, and adjustments may be needed to prevent relapse in the future.

A Word From Verywell

Relapse after recovery can feel devastating, but it doesn't have to be the end of your journey. If you're struggling with addiction or dealing with a relapse, it's essential to seek support, take care of yourself, tap into your ability to sustain your recovery goals, and discuss a relapse prevention plan with your care team. It is possible to reclaim your power in your recovery.