Relapse

When a person loses control of their ability to withstand their addiction, it is referred to as a relapse. After this happens, the individual will return to the use of their substance of choice (alcohol, illicit drugs, etc.). Instances of relapse are a normal part of recovery, but the guilt of relapse can be hard to cope with. However, it is important to look at relapses as part of the process and not be ashamed of them. You may have heard the word “lapse” used, but the two are not to be confused with one another. When a person lapses, this is only a temporary straying off the recovery path where they are able to return to their recovery with no issues. The distinguishing factor between the two terms is that when a person lapses, they can quickly stop their substance use, whereas when a person relapses, the return to recovery is difficult.

Relapse prevention planning (also known as aftercare planning) is the process wherein someone makes specific plans that will help them succeed. Because recovery is different for everyone, prevention planning can also look different. At Avalon Malibu, we place a large emphasis on prevention planning. This is because we've seen the way it sets our clients up for success and helps them maintain recovery.

While finishing substance abuse rehabilitation treatment is an enormous step, the journey isn't done just yet. In order to avoid relapse, you will need to plan for treatment aftercare. It may seem scary to think about what comes next in life outside of treatment, but proper planning and support will make it less daunting. Discover what to consider when aftercare planning and how Avalon Malibu sets you up for post-treatment success.

Relapse prevention is one of the most important topics to cover and learn about when it comes to sustainable, long-term addiction recovery. Without a prevention plan, relapse is more common, even after lots of treatment and hard work. Comprehensive substance use treatment includes relapse prevention planning. This is an ongoing part of treatment regardless of whether an individual is in residential, partial hospitalization, or outpatient treatment to ensure they are working to be mindful of what could trigger a relapse in all phases of recovery.

Finishing substance addiction treatment is a great accomplishment, and you deserve to feel proud of yourself. By deciding to find the path to a healthy, balanced life, you chose to commit yourself. Don’t break that commitment to yourself after you leave your treatment program. The steps you take following the completion of treatment are essential in your dedication to remain sober.

Just because you may have kicked your drug or alcohol addiction doesn’t mean you are off the hook for your newly-found shopping addiction. This practice of simply replacing one addiction for another is known as cross-addiction and is a type of relapse in the disease of addiction. When overcoming addiction, both your original addiction and a cross-addiction require positive lifestyle changes. This is so negative habits do not form into new dependencies or addictions to replace a previous one. Someone struggling with one addiction is more susceptible to developing a cross-addiction. Remaining mindful of your behaviors in recovery is an essential preventive measure to take to avoid slipping into another form of addiction.

It’s normal to feel worried about relapse – in the addiction and mental illness recovery realm, many people fear relapse because it is seen as this horrible sign of failure, even though it isn’t. In fact, many recovery experts say that temporary relapses provide individuals with clues as to what’s working and what’s not; in this way, you can discover whether or not certain components of your treatment program need to be altered or emphasized more effectively. Relapse occurs for about 40-60% of those in addiction recovery, according to a study highlighted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that for those in mental illness recovery, 48% of people relapse if they do not have family involvement, whereas 28% of people relapse if their family is involved in their recovery journey. As you can see, relapse occurs quite often. There are a variety of steps that are taken to help individuals avoid this, however; relapse prevention treatment programs provide specific tools and resources to assist clients in identifying triggers when they arise, and an action plan to enact when they feel they’re high-risk. Most often, it really is about finding the people, places, thoughts, and situations that cause you to want to use or spiral; a 2015 study published in the journal of Qualitative Health Research involved focus groups with women in treatment for substance dependence to find the factors that both enabled and impeded their recovery. Results from the study showed that both adding supportive people to their recovery networks and avoiding or distancing oneself from those who were not conducive to their recovery proved crucial to their success. Psychiatrist Dr. Chad Coren stated on the The Fix, ““Any high-risk situation or stressor that sparks off a thought, feeling, or action to use drugs or alcohol. This spark, which is experienced as a temptation to use, is called a 'craving' or 'urge.' Triggers lead to cravings, and urges to use.” Rather than fearing relapse - which can produce feelings of anxiety, ultimately perpetuating the very outcome you’re trying to avoid - focus on your healing. Your recovery. Your action plan for when tricky situations arise. Work closely with your healthcare team if you are a reputable treatment center – they are meant to provide you with support during this time. Recovery is possible – you can do this. Don’t give up on yourself.

When you think of relapse, what images transpire in your mind? Most people think of a person with some sort of addiction, reverting back –at least for a brief period of time – to the very substance they are trying to recover from. While this is certainly one type of relapse, mental illness involves relapses as well. Though not discussed as often, mental illness relapses are just as important to know about and to attempt to prevent. As with addiction relapses, however, relapse is natural and should not be considered a “failure” or a “weakness”. Rather, relapse gives us a chance to learn and grow, showing us what may need to be changed in our treatment program or what needs to be emphasized more.

For someone in recovery, relapse is a common fear. While relapse is the main concern by many people, relapses occur due to triggers. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, relapse triggers are events or circumstances that can lead to uncomfortable feelings such as anxiety, panic, or despair. Relapse triggers can include people, places, or things. The following is a brief description of the types of triggers one may experience:

For people beginning their recovery journey, relapse seems like a scary, haunted force that should be avoided at all costs. Although it may seem like a contradiction to recovery, there are some valuable lessons that can be learned if you relapse. Addiction.org, a website aimed at provided rehabilitation information, has provided several important lessons to be gained from relapse:

Recovering from drug or alcohol abuse is a process.  This process will look differently for each person.  You might find that you enjoy a particular 12-step meeting or have non-using friends that can support you.  Whatever is working for you, keep doing it.  Below are some suggestions for relapse prevention that can serve as a guide to prevent relapse.