Relapse and Addiction

Like many other chronic illness—diabetes, cancer, and heart disease—those who suffer from addiction often have relapses. One research study found that over a third of their surveyed individuals had histories of “substance abuse disorder relapse.” So although it is a common, even expected, part of the process, relapse can be an upsetting. Moreover, it can be a potentially dangerous experience if not handled correctly. Despite difficult setbacks, a relapse doesn’t mean that your recovery journey is over. We can encourage ourselves with the exhortation to, “run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Hebrew 12:1). It takes dedication to stay the course on your recovery journey, and this includes obstacles that arise. It’s possible to overcome a relapse setback and keep moving forward. The following questions about relapse to help you navigate this part of the process. This includes some of the triggers of relapse and how to avoid common missteps.

What Are the Causes of Relapse?

Because addiction is a chronic disease, even when symptoms of the illness are in control, like when a person is in recovery, it doesn’t mean the illness is gone. One study observed a number of factors that contributed to the risk of relapse in individuals’ life circumstances. First, relapse was more common for individuals under the age of thirty. Other factors included:

• Lower education and socioeconomic status
• Unemployment
• Family history of substance abuse
• Past history of crime

But remember that relapse after a time of sobriety can be caused by various factors that affect each person differently. Environmental, physical, and mental triggers can all contribute to the temptation to relapse.

What are Some Environmental and Physical Triggers of Relapse?

It depends on each person, but there are likely people, places, and things that stimulate the urge to drink or use drugs again. We’re reminded in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians that “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor. 15:33), and therefore that we should be careful of negative social influences. Some social factors that may contribute to relapse include:

• Being around or in contact with substance-using people
• Going to a bar, night club, or party where alcohol and drugs are present
• Seeing objects associated with substance use, such as a pipe or wine glass
• Abruptly stopping medication-assisted treatment
• Lack of a strong support system or aftercare plans

What Are Some Mental Triggers of Relapse?

In addition to environmental and social factors, there are negative thoughts, emotions, and untreated behavioral health needs. These can all make a person more vulnerable to relapse. These can include but aren’t limited to:

• Negative or upsetting emotions
• Stressful experiences related to work, family, or other responsibilities
• Dealing with trauma or violence
• Untreated mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression
• Biological triggers
• Physical pain from physical illnesses
• Accidents or injuries that cause chronic or acute pain

Does Relapse Mean “Failure?”

Depending on the substance and situation, relapse can be very dangerous. But it doesn’t mean total failure. Following detox and inpatient treatment, a person’s body adjusts to not having to depend on substances. Therefore, their tolerance becomes lower. If they start to use or abuse substances again, they can overwhelm their body and brain very quickly. This is the most dangerous part of relapse: it can cause an accidental overdose and lead to serious physical harm or even death. But in light of these dangers, addiction relapse doesn’t mean failure. It is by no means a reflection of a person’s willpower, strength, or personal being. Since addiction is a chronic condition that may worsen from time-to-time, these incidents should be taken seriously. If a relapse does indeed happen, it’s an indication that the person’s treatment needs to be reevaluated, not that they are a failure.

How Can I prevent Relapse?

Avoid Triggers: To prevent relapse, a person must first understand which specific triggers make them feel vulnerable. While it’s not always possible to completely avoid them, becoming self-aware of the physical, environmental, and mental triggers that cause cravings is a crucial step in recovery. Reevaluate Treatment: Taking action early can stop a relapse from occurring. If a person in recovery is worried about relapsing, they should proactively reach out to their doctor or addiction treatment program to adjust their existing plan. Reach Out to Your Support System: Although a person might feel guilty or embarrassed, seeking support is one of the best things they can do to prevent a relapse from happening. Family and friends can provide positive encouragement, while support groups offer a non-judgmental environment to learn how other people in the same situation were able to cope and overcome it.

What Actions Can I Take After Relapse?

Be Creative with Treatment Options: Even if a person already completed a treatment program, there is no shame in participating again. It can be beneficial to forming a new recovery plan that may include different types of therapy, relapse prevention classes, and medication. Depending on the length of the relapse period, it may be necessary to go through medically-supervised detoxification to manage withdrawal. Learn from Your Setbacks: After a relapse, some people may feel like they lost all the progress they made and that their recovery is back at day one. Instead of getting discouraged, it’s better to put energy into recommitting to recovery. After all, a person who has relapsed after being in treatment is still in a much better place than they were before treatment. Relapse is an opportunity to learn how to make the necessary changes to prevent another one from occurring in the future. It’s important to recognize recovery for what it is—a lifelong journey full of learning, change, and growth. Reach out to a professional at OK Adult and Teen Challenge today to learn more about treatment options for addiction, and how you can prevent relapse.