Addiction Relapse

Posted by Care Addiction Center on April 27th, 2022

Alcohol and drug addiction recovery is a long process. There is no quick answer to the problem of relapse. Recovery is a lifelong process, and there are always chances for relapses to happen.

What Is Relapse?

A relapse occurs when an addicted person fails to remain abstinent and returns to old levels of use.

Because addiction is a chronic condition, it is common for a person recovering from addiction to relapse one or more times during their recovery process before successfully quitting.

In order to prevent relapse, good treatment programs include a relapse prevention plan as part of their process.

Stages & Signs Relapse

The relapse process does not occur suddenly - it takes weeks to even months for it to take place. There are several stages that allow early identification of signs and symptoms.

The National Library of Medicine (NIH) describes the stages of relapse as follows:

Emotional Relapse

An individual does not intend to drink or use a substance at this stage; however, their emotions and behaviors may be putting them at an increased 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

At this point, an individual contemplates using, may miss their former friends and activities, while still trying to resist the urge to use.

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

Individuals who have resumed their use of the substance are in this stage.

What To Do

Recognize that relapses occur - it is not a failure. When someone relapses, they need extra support and treatment right now. It is best to find an addiction treatment program and get help right away.

If you or a loved one has experienced a relapse on drugs or alcohol, call Care Addiction Center in Illinois at: (630) 402-0144