Key Takeaways
- It’s normal for people in recovery to have relapses, and it doesn’t imply they failed.
- Understanding why relapse occurs can help prevent it from happening again.
- Stress and untreated mental health issues are two big things that can set off a relapse.
- Relapse is an opportunity to strengthen your recovery plan.
- Support from specialists and structured programs is very important.
Introduction
Getting better from substance abuse and addiction is a journey, not a straight line. It is full of problems, wins, and sometimes losses. Relapse is one of the things that people get wrong most about this process.
Many people in recovery will experience relapses, and these are natural and even expected. Instead of being the end of progress, a relapse might be a chance to learn, rethink, and recommit to the recovery process with fresh knowledge.
Understanding Relapse During Recovery
What Is Relapse?
When someone who is recovering from substance abuse and addiction goes back to using drugs or alcohol after a break, that is called a relapse. It usually happens in steps:
- Emotional relapse: holding back feelings, denying them, and being alone
- Mental relapse: cravings and rationalizing use begin
- Physical relapse: the person starts using substances again
People can intervene early if they recognize these stages.
Does Relapse Mean Treatment Has Failed?
A relapse is like a flare-up in a chronic health condition. It doesn’t mean treatment failed—it means the recovery plan needs adjustment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates for substance abuse and addiction are similar to those for asthma or diabetes, making this perspective important.
Why People Relapse?
Mental Health Issues
Many individuals dealing with addiction also live with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other co-occurring disorders. Without treating both, relapse becomes more likely. In these cases, a dual diagnosis treatment approach is essential.
Lack of Support or Structure
Early recovery is when risk is highest. Programs like a detox program or an outpatient program offer the structure, supervision, and care needed during this vulnerable time.
Stress and Triggers
Life events such as financial hardship, relationship issues, or grief can be triggering. Even positive changes, such as starting a new job, can be stressful. Without healthy coping tools, individuals are at higher risk for relapse.
How Can You Prevent Relapse Before It Happens?
Make a Plan to Stop Relapsing
A personalized relapse prevention plan helps you identify triggers, manage cravings, and cope with stress. Essential components include emergency contacts, coping strategies, scheduled therapy sessions, and participation in support groups.
Know How the Recovery Process Works
Understanding the stages of recovery, as seen in the Virtue Recovery Center video on “The 5 Stages of Addiction Recovery,” helps people anticipate and navigate risks, especially during the early recovery phases.
Reconnect with Professional Help
A relapse isn’t a failure; it’s a signal that you need more support. Reconnecting with therapists, support groups, or structured treatment options can help stabilize recovery.
For example, our outpatient rehab program in Las Vegas offers consistent therapeutic support during daily life, while a structured detox helps address physical relapse.
Why Ongoing Support Is Important?
Support from family, friends, sober peers, and therapists can make a significant difference. Continued engagement in recovery communities, 12-step programs, and group work strengthens accountability and resilience.
Ongoing recovery care and social support improve long-term outcomes and help build “recovery capital,” which includes the tools and resources needed to stay sober.
Another trusted source, MedlinePlus, emphasizes that a relapse doesn’t erase progress; it simply means it’s time to resume treatment.
Conclusion
A relapse can feel devastating, but it doesn’t mean the end of your recovery journey. Instead, it can mark a turning point. By learning from what triggered the relapse, recommitting to treatment, and adjusting your plan, you can come back stronger.
Whether this is your first relapse or one of many, what matters most is how you respond next. Remember: you are not alone, and help is always available.
Call Virtue Recovery Center Las Vegas today at 866-520-2861 to speak with a caring team member and find out what’s next in your substance abuse and addiction recovery journey.
You can recover again, and this time with more strength, resilience, and support than ever before.
FAQs
Does having a relapse indicate I failed at getting better?
No. Relapse is a common part of recovery and offers valuable insight to improve your treatment plan.
How often do people with addictions relapse?
Studies show relapse rates between 40% and 60%, similar to other chronic illnesses.
How can I tell if I’m about to relapse?
Warning signs include isolation, mood swings, cravings, and withdrawal from your support system.
Can I get better after a relapse without starting again from scratch?
Yes. Many people recover quickly by asking for help and using what they’ve already learned.
Should I notify my family if I start using again?
Being honest may be challenging, but sharing your experience can help rebuild trust and secure the necessary support.
Resources & Citations
- Reducing relapse risk
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/reducing-relapse-risk.asp - Treatment and recovery (2020)
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery - The American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the pharmacological treatment of patients with alcohol use disorder (2020)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551500/
How to avoid a relapse when things seem out of control (2020, November 30)
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-avoid-a-relapse-when-things-seem-out-of-control-2020113021512
