Relapse and Recovery: Understanding the Path to Lasting Sobriety

Recovery from addiction of any kind, whether it be substance or behavioral, is a lifelong journey that takes constant work and effort on a daily basis to maintain. Sometimes though, even despite our best efforts, recovery can also involve setbacks in the form of a relapse.

While for some relapse is part of the recovery process, despite what some may think, relapse is not a sign of weakness or even failure. What it can be though, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen in recovery.

So, with so many people out there under the impression that relapse is a sign of failure, we thought it was important to remind everyone that relapse and recovery are connected and that just because someone experiences a relapse does not mean they have failed in their recovery. Monroe Street Housing provides rehab and sober living options near Indianapolis to help with your recovery.

What Is Relapse and Why Does It Happen?

Before we go any further though, let’s first set the record straight on what exactly a relapse is and why it may happen.

Relapse occurs when someone who is in recovery goes back to using the substance or doing the activity that they are in recovery for. A relapse can be a one-time thing or can be the result of repeated use.

Relapse can often occur due to a trigger such as stress or an environmental factor becoming too powerful to overcome, resulting in the person succumbing to the temptation and falling back into old habits. When this occurs, the person may forget in the moment the coping mechanisms or techniques that they learned during treatment to combat these triggers or temptations and find themselves using again.

In most instances, a relapse may be short-lasting and the person will realize what they have done immediately after, however in some cases, a relapse can be long-lasting and result in the person reverting back to their old ways before they went into treatment. 

The Stages of Relapse: Emotional, Mental, and Physical

Another common misconception is that relapse is something that happens spontaneously or on a whim. In reality, though, relapse is a complicated process that unfolds in three different stages:

Common Triggers That Lead to Relapse

So, what exactly can lead to a relapse? Well, while triggers can vary from person to person, here are some of the more common triggers that may result in a relapse:

• Stress – Work, financial struggles, or family conflicts can push someone toward old habits.
• Environmental Cues – Being in places associated with past substance use can bring back memories of past use.
• Social Pressure – Being around people who use substances can increase the temptation.
• Negative Emotions – Depression, anxiety, and loneliness often lead to self-medication.
• Overconfidence – Believing one has full control and can use “just once” when in reality they can’t.

How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Relapse?

Sometimes something as seemingly simple as being able to recognize and identify the warning signs of a relapse is all it takes to prevent one from happening.

So, on that note, here are some of the more common red flags to be on the lookout for that may lead to a relapse:

• Increased stress and emotional instability
• Avoiding support groups or therapy
• Romanticizing past substance use
• Poor self-care and sleep patterns
• Justifying or minimizing substance use

If you are experiencing any of the following, it’s important to take a step back and remember some of the coping mechanisms you learned during treatment.

The Importance of Viewing Relapse as Part of the Recovery Process

We mentioned it earlier but it bears repeating again. Relapse is not a sign of weakness or failure. Addiction is a disease and, like any other form of disease, may return unexpectedly even after treatment is done. If someone undergoes treatment for a condition or ailment and it returns, they are not viewed as weak and the treatment is not viewed as being a failure. This should be true for addiction too.

As is the case with another type of ailment or disease, what a relapse does is highlight the vulnerability in a recovery plan or show us an area that may not have been effective in order to make the adjustments necessary to be successful the next go around.

Steps to Take After a Relapse

If you or someone you know has experienced a relapse, the most important thing to do is not to get down on either yourself or that person. After all, as we have talked about, relapse can be part of the recovery process and does not signify failure in any way.

Instead of allowing the relapse to spiral out of control due to the negative thoughts it may produce, consider doing the following:

• Seek Support – Reach out to a sponsor, therapist, or support group.
• Identify Triggers – Analyze what led to the relapse and strategize how to avoid them.
• Recommit to Sobriety – Adjust the recovery plan based on lessons learned.
• Practice Self-Compassion – Avoid self-blame and focus on moving forward.

Developing a Relapse Prevention Plan

Whether you are someone who has experienced a relapse and is looking to prevent another one from happening in the future, developing a relapse prevention plan can be helpful, particularly in those moments when you may be feeling vulnerable or susceptible to a relapse. This is a big reason why relapse prevention plans are such a large part of aftercare programs.

When putting together a relapse prevention plan, it’s important to include the following:

• Creating healthy coping strategies
• Practicing self-care
• Establishing and maintaining a support system
• Identifying potential triggers and high-risk situations
• Setting realistic goals for recovery

The Role of Therapy in Relapse Prevention and Recovery

Therapy provides essential tools for relapse prevention. It helps individuals address underlying psychological factors, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve self-awareness.

In fact, let’s take a look at two forms of therapy that are particularly effective in helping to prevent a relapse in recovery:

Building a Strong Support System for Recovery

In addition to continued therapy even after treatment has been completed, another crucial part of relapse prevention is building and maintaining a strong support system. While group therapy is an integral part of addiction treatment, continuing to maintain a support system even after treatment has ended is key to lasting sobriety.

This can include:

• Regularly attending support group meetings such as AA or NA
• Seeking support from close friends, family members, or loved one
• Finding a mentor or sponsor who can provide guidance and support

Incorporating Wellness Practices to Support Sobriety

We mentioned earlier the role self-care plays in both relapse and relapse prevention. While ignoring self-care can help start the relapse process, making sure you take care care of yourself can do the opposite.

Practicing self-care is easier than you may think. Here are some easy things you can do to practice self-care:

• Regular exercise – Reduces stress and improves overall mood
• Healthy diet – Supports brain function and overall well-being
• Mindfulness and meditation – Enhances self-awareness through self-reflection
• Adequate sleep – Promotes emotional stability and brain health

Monroe Street Housing Can Help with Relapse and Recovery

At Monroe Street Housing, we understand the importance an effective aftercare program has on relapse prevention, including sober living. That’s why we offer sober living to those who are in need of a safe and supportive environment while they make the transition back to regular life after treatment.

If you or a loved one has completed treatment and is in need of sober living, contact us today.