Relapse is often considered a part of the journey to recovery from addiction, but it doesn’t mean failure. Instead, it provides an opportunity to reassess and strengthen one’s approach to sobriety. At Sunrise Recovery, we understand the complexities of addiction and offer comprehensive treatment programs designed to prevent relapse and support individuals in recovery. This article will explore strategies for relapse prevention and steps to take if a relapse occurs.
Understanding Relapse
Substance abuse relapse occurs when an individual who has previously attempted to stop using a substance starts using it again. This can happen shortly after initiating sobriety or even after several years of maintaining it.
Relapse involves a conscious decision to revert from the recovery process. However, this decision is often driven by various triggers that can be challenging to manage, such as:
- Psychological Triggers: Feelings of loneliness, sadness, anger, inadequate coping mechanisms, boredom, or stress.
- Physical Triggers: Physical illness or injury, drug dependence, post-surgical distress, or withdrawal symptoms.
- Environmental Triggers: Peer influence, family conflicts, unemployment, financial problems, or divorce.
Another form of relapse is known as a “lapse.” A lapse occurs when an individual has one or two drinks but then returns to sobriety. This, too, requires a conscious decision to stray from recovery, albeit in a more controlled and brief manner compared to a full relapse. Nevertheless, repeated lapses can easily lead to a full relapse. Read more here.
Less commonly discussed is a “freelapse,” which happens when a person unintentionally becomes intoxicated. Examples of unintentional intoxication include:
- Becoming intoxicated due to anesthesia administered for a surgery or medical procedure.
- Accidentally inhaling fumes from an intoxicating substance.
- Accidentally consuming food or drink that contains an intoxicating substance.
How Common Is Relapse?
Managing addiction is incredibly challenging, and for many, relapse is an unfortunate part of the recovery process. Studies show that between 40% to 60% of individuals with a substance use disorder experience a relapse at some point during their recovery journey.
Research on relapse prevention indicates that lapses and relapses are particularly common within the first year of seeking treatment (Kandasamy & Menon, 2018). Effective addiction treatment can support clients through a relapse and help them take active steps toward behavioral change.
Why Does a Relapse Happen?
Addiction is a disease that disrupts the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, which include serotonin, opioid, and dopamine systems. These imbalances impact crucial brain functions responsible for:
- Motivation and Reward
- Decision Making
- Emotional Experience (Affect)
- Stress Responses
When an individual with addiction acts on their craving, a surge of neurotransmitters induces a pleasurable sensation. One key neurotransmitter, dopamine, strengthens the association between drug use, pleasure, and any external triggers that remind the user of the substance. Over time, these dopamine surges condition the brain to seek the drug or alcohol whenever the individual encounters a trigger.
Due to these brain changes, maintaining sobriety becomes particularly challenging for those experiencing drug or alcohol dependence, especially when confronted with psychological, physical, or emotional triggers. Understanding these underlying mechanisms can aid in developing more effective strategies for relapse prevention and long-term recovery support.
Stages of Relapse
Relapse is a gradual process that typically unfolds in three stages: emotional, mental, and physical relapse. Understanding these stages can help individuals and their support systems recognize early warning signs and take proactive steps to maintain recovery.
Emotional Relapse
During the emotional relapse stage, an individual may not consciously think about using drugs or alcohol, but their emotional state can put them at risk for relapse. Key signs of emotional relapse include:
- Feelings of Denial: Not acknowledging the potential for relapse.
- Isolation: Withdrawing from social support and activities.
- Low Motivation for Self-Care: Neglecting personal health and hygiene.
- Skipping Treatment: Avoiding therapy sessions or support groups.
- Poor Eating and Sleeping Habits: Neglecting nutritional and rest needs.
Therapy during this stage often focuses on reinforcing the importance of self-care. Learning acronyms like HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) can help individuals recognize when they need to prioritize their well-being. Focusing on emotional wellness daily can reduce feelings of restlessness, irritability, and discontent, which can accumulate and lead to relapse.
Mental Relapse
Cravings are a normal part of the recovery process, but failing to manage these cravings and other mental stressors can lead to a desire to “escape” through substance use. Signs of mental relapse include:
- Finding Opportunities to Use: Seeking out situations where substance use is possible.
- Thinking About Past Use: Reminiscing about people, places, or experiences linked to past substance use.
- Glamorizing Past Use: Remembering substance use fondly and overlooking negative consequences.
- Downplaying Consequences: Minimizing the harmful effects of past substance use.
- Bargaining: Convincing oneself that it’s acceptable to use on special occasions.
- Dishonesty: Hiding thoughts and feelings about substance use from others.
At this stage, therapy aims to help individuals avoid triggers and high-risk situations. It also focuses on normalizing occasional thoughts of relapse and developing strategies to let go of these thoughts quickly.
Physical Relapse
Physical relapse occurs when an individual starts using substances again. This can happen after a lapse—an initial, brief return to substance use—that escalates into more frequent and uncontrolled use. Most physical relapses are considered relapses of opportunity, meaning they occur when the individual feels they won’t get caught.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Relapse prevention (RP) is a cognitive– behavioral approach with the goal of identifying and addressing high-risk situations for relapse and assisting individuals in maintaining desired behavioral changes.” (Kandasamy & Menon, 2018)
Build a Strong Support Network:
Having a robust support system is essential. This includes family, friends, and support groups who understand and support one’s recovery journey. At Sunrise Recovery, group therapy sessions help individuals connect with peers who share similar experiences.
Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms:
Identifying and practicing healthy ways to cope with stress and triggers can prevent relapse. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and engaging in hobbies can be effective.
Regular Therapy and Counseling:
Continuous engagement with therapy and counseling helps address underlying issues that may contribute to relapse. Sunrise Recovery provides ongoing counseling services to help individuals maintain their sobriety and mental health.
Create a Relapse Prevention Plan:
A relapse prevention plan outlines strategies and steps to take when faced with triggers or high-risk situations. This plan should include emergency contacts, coping strategies, and steps to re-engage with treatment if necessary.
Mindfulness and Self-Care:
Practicing mindfulness and self-care is vital in maintaining sobriety. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and relaxation techniques. Sunrise Recovery incorporates mindfulness practices into its treatment programs to help individuals stay grounded.
Steps to Take If Relapse Occurs
Acknowledge and Accept:
The first step is to acknowledge the relapse without self-judgment. Accepting that relapse is a part of the process for many individuals can help reduce feelings of shame and guilt.
Seek Immediate Support:
Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or support group. Having someone to talk to can provide immediate emotional relief and prevent further substance use.
Re-engage with Treatment:
Returning to a treatment program can provide the necessary support and structure to get back on track. Sunrise Recovery offers flexible treatment options, including outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, to accommodate individual needs.
Identify Triggers and Learn from the Experience:
Understanding what led to the relapse is crucial in preventing future occurrences. This might involve identifying specific triggers, emotions, or situations that contributed to the relapse. Sunrise Recovery’s therapists can help individuals analyze these factors and develop more effective coping strategies.
Adjust the Relapse Prevention Plan:
Updating the relapse prevention plan based on what has been learned is essential. This might include adding new strategies, seeking additional therapy, or increasing support group attendance.
Sunrise Recovery's Approach to Relapse Prevention
Sunrise Recovery offers a comprehensive approach to relapse prevention and recovery. Our emphasis on medical care and holistic treatment ensures that all aspects of addiction are addressed, providing a robust support system for individuals at every stage of their recovery journey.
A key component of our strategy is our Alumni Treatment Program. This program ensures that the treatment center’s medical staff and former patients stay connected, fostering continuous support and accountability. The alumni programs at Sunrise Recovery organize events and host various activities to help former patients stay on the right track.
Holistic Treatment
Sunrise Recovery incorporates holistic treatment methods, including mindfulness practices, nutritional counseling, and physical fitness programs. These methods help individuals build a balanced and healthy lifestyle, reducing the risk of relapse.
Personalized Care
We recognize that each individual’s journey is unique. Our personalized treatment plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, providing the best chance for long-term success. Individualized treatment plans have gained popularity due to their numerous benefits. These customized recovery plans address the unique needs, challenges, triggers, and goals of each person struggling with addiction, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Social Support
Our group therapy sessions and family counseling services help build a strong support network, which is crucial for preventing relapse. An article by Steve Patterson emphasizes the importance of social support in maintaining sobriety.
Why Choose Sunrise Recovery?
Selecting the right treatment center is crucial for successfully managing and preventing relapse. Sunrise Recovery stands out with its compassionate care, experienced staff, and commitment to providing a supportive and healing environment. Our holistic approach ensures that all aspects of addiction are addressed, empowering clients to reclaim their lives and build a brighter future. At Sunrise Recovery, we believe every individual has the potential to overcome it and thrive. Our comprehensive relapse prevention strategies, including medical care and alumni programs, provide continuous support and guidance.
Recap
Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey, but it can be effectively managed and prevented with the right strategies and support. At Sunrise Recovery, our comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, providing individuals with the tools they need to maintain long-term sobriety. With a strong focus on medical care, personalized treatment plans, and robust social support, Sunrise Recovery is dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and build a healthier, brighter future.
To hear from those who have successfully navigated their recovery journey with our help, check out our testimonials for more personal stories and experiences.
For more detailed information on how Sunrise Recovery can assist with Medical Detox and other treatment programs, contact Sunrise Recovery today on +1 (877) 978 – 6747 or visit our website to learn about our programs and support options.
Next Steps
Now that you have gained insights in dealing with relapse and recovery, it’s time to take another important step. To deepen your understanding and learn effective strategies for recovery, check out another related article: Creating a Sober Living Environment. Stay informed and empowered on your path to recovery.
