Understanding Relapse on the Road to Addiction Recovery

Understanding Relapse in Addiction Recovery

Relapse is a common occurrence for those working a program of recovery from alcoholism or addiction. Being caught drinking or using drugs after a period of sobriety can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and failure. However, relapse does not mean that recovery has failed or that sobriety is impossible. With compassion and perseverance, many can return to sobriety after a relapse. Celebrate Recovery's Lesson 17 offers wisdom for those who have been "busted" drinking or using again.

Accepting the Reality of Relapse

Relapse is a part of the disease of addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates 40-60% of those recovering from addiction will relapse at some point. Though sobriety is the goal, relapse remains a possibility even after long periods of abstinence. By understanding relapse as an event along the road to recovery rather than the end of the road, those in recovery can pick themselves back up and continue progressing.

In Lesson 17, Celebrate Recovery encourages people to be gentle with themselves after a relapse. Addiction treatment expert Terence Gorski coined the phrase “lapse and relapse” to differentiate between a single event of using and a full return to active addiction. A lapse can serve as a learning experience for understanding triggers and strengthening one’s program rather than a complete failure. With support, one can resume their recovery journey.

Getting Support After Relapse

Seeking help and being honest with supporters is vital after experiencing a relapse. Left unchecked, shame and guilt can drive one further into isolation and active addiction. Opening up removes secrecy, a necessity for the disease to progress.

In recovery programs like Celebrate Recovery, members often receive chips to mark milestones of sobriety, such as 30, 60 or 90 days clean and sober. After a relapse, some may hesitate to pick up another desire chip and start counting days again, feeling it invalidates their previous sober time. However,recovery is about progress, not perfection. Sobriety takes patience, courage and community.

Relapse Triggers and Warning Signs

To prevent or minimize future relapses, it helps to reflect on the events leading up to the relapse. What emotional states, behaviors, circumstances or thoughts contributed? Some common triggers include:

• Stressful life events
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Fatigue, poor self-care
• People, places or things associated with past drug use
• Overconfidence and stopping recovery practices

Relapse often happens slowly with warning signs long before the actual event of drinking or using drugs again. Recognizing one’s personal warning signs provides an opportunity to employ healthy coping strategies before picking up that first drink or drug again.

Relapse Prevention Toolbox

Maintaining consistent recovery practices helps many avoid relapse after long periods of sobriety. Building a “relapse prevention toolbox” ensures one has healthy strategies to employ when triggers arise.

Examples of tools to prevent relapse include:

• Attending recovery meetings and staying connected with a sponsor
• Exercising, eating healthy, getting enough rest
• Journaling feelings rather than repressing emotions
• Calling supportive friends and family before picking up a drink or drug
• Praying, meditating or engaging in fulfilling hobbies
• Seeking professional help like counseling or intensive outpatient treatment

Learning Through Relapse

Though heartbreaking in the moment relapse offers opportunity for growth. Reflecting on personal warning signs, high-risk situations, thoughts and behavior patterns that preceded drinking or using again provides insight. This fuels positive change.

Many emerging sober after relapse have a newfound commitment, humility and wisdom. They realize sobriety requires daily maintenance and vigilance regarding the risk factors that could lead them back into addiction.

Rather than admonishing themselves for perceived failure, those recovering can cultivate self-compassion. Getting busted drinking or using drugs after a sober period, though difficult, often reinforces gratitude for the support recovery offers.

For some, several cycles of relapse and renewed sobriety occur before addiction remission sets in. Statistics show that those who persevere through multiple attempts have the same likelihood of achieving long-term abstinence. Relapse is not rare as one progresses along the road of recovery.

FAQs

What percentage of people in addiction recovery relapse?

Relapse rates vary, but research shows 40-60% of people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction will relapse at some point. This demonstrates relapse is fairly common on the journey of addiction recovery.

Does relapsing mean my recovery has failed completely?

No, a relapse or "lapse" does not have to derail the recovery process entirely. With help and an adjusted recovery plan, many resume abstinence after a temporary slip. Recovery is an ongoing process with ups and downs for most people.

What are some common warning signs that could lead to relapse?

Warning signs include loneliness, declining self-care, spending time around triggers like old using friends or bars, stopping healthy recovery habits like going to support meetings or calling your sponsor.

What should I do if I relapse after a period of sobriety?

Reach out for help immediately from friends, family members, or professionals. Be honest about the lapse, reflect on what led up to it, recommit to recovery practices, and be gentle with yourself. Support and a plan can get you back on track.