Recovery is a long road, and it can present many challenges. Many individuals can experience a relapse, and it’s not the end of the road to establishing a life of sobriety.
To relapse is not a sign of weakness — people can have a drug or alcohol relapse at any time, and for many different reasons. Many people have an addiction relapse when times are stressful. But why do people relapse when times are good? It’s important to know how personal triggers can work, and how to navigate a life of sobriety no matter what is going on.
What is a Relapse?
A relapse can be defined as using drugs or alcohol after committing to a life of sobriety and recovery from addiction.
It’s different from a “freelapse,” where someone may ingest drugs or alcohol or accident. This may take the form of drinking a beverage without realizing it contains alcohol, or breathing in marijuana smoke by accident. This is also different from a “slip,” where a person has a one-time use of an addictive substance (that may even be planned).
A relapse is a full-blown return to substance use, at the same rate or pattern as the period before entering recovery. It’s seen as a setback in the recovery journey. But it doesn’t mean that a person has failed in their pursuit of sobriety. It means that the person may not have figured out every strategy they may need to stay sober. Every relapse is a chance to learn more about how to stay sober in the future. Communication and support can help a person learn and recover from the relapse.
Why Relapse Can Happen in Good Times
Even when life is going well, individuals in recovery may find themselves vulnerable to relapse. The temptation of drug or alcohol relapse can still be strong. Here are several reasons why relapse may still happen even without stress or negative events:
Experiencing Withdrawals
Despite good times, individuals may still experience physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms. When these symptoms resurface, they can be especially disheartening. During moments of positivity, when individuals might feel pressure to appear fine, struggling with withdrawal can become even more challenging. In these situations, the temptation to return to substances to alleviate uncomfortable sensations to “just get through” can be very strong. But withdrawal is a part of the recovery journey, and individuals can prepare for these moments and plan strategies to cope.
Isolation or Alienation For Not Using
During positive periods of life, individuals may feel distanced from their social circles—especially if those circles still engage in substance use. This can push some people to seek comfort in their previous habits, believing that this will help them feel more connected. The pressure to conform to social norms can be overwhelming, particularly in celebratory settings where substance use is prevalent.
No Proper Stress Relief
Good times can sometimes come with higher expectations, or pressure to maintain success or happiness. If sobriety has not been accompanied by the development of healthy stress-relief strategies, a person may resort to substance use as a familiar way to cope. This is why it’s so important to incorporate healthy stress relief into relapse prevention plans. This can be mindfulness practices, physical activity, creative pursuits, or whatever can provide regular relief.
Stagnant Work on Recovery
Recovering from addiction is a lifelong process that requires ongoing effort. During periods of stability, individuals might assume that they no longer need to actively focus on their recovery. This complacency can lead to vulnerability, which can make relapse more likely when someone experiences triggers. But it’s important to recognize that recovery is not a linear journey. Whether a person is staying sober or has a relapse, recovery involves continuous learning and support.
Thinking That "Everything's Normal"
Self-Medicating for Mental Health Conditions
Many individuals recovering from addiction struggle with underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or clinical depression. Good times can mask these issues, rather than resolve them. Individuals may feel stressed or guilty for still experiencing symptoms when everyone around them is happy. They may feel tempted to self-medicate to keep their symptoms “under control” temporarily. This illustrates the importance of seeking professional help via dual diagnosis treatment, which takes mental illnesses into account and supports the person developing healthy coping mechanisms within sobriety.
Self-Sabotage
In times of happiness, a person recovering from addiction might feel undeserving of the good things happening to them. They might still be working through feelings of shame or poor self-esteem that developed during the period of active addiction. This could prompt them to resort to old habits, reinforcing the negative feelings and self-perceptions. Recognizing this before it gets too bad is crucial. Self-reflection and seeking support can help challenge these harmful beliefs and allow for a more well-rounded view of oneself post-addiction.
Stages of Relapse
Relapse can occur in several stages, each of which poses unique challenges:
Emotional Relapse
Emotional relapse involves struggling with feelings, thoughts, or negative emotions that may lead a person back to substance use, even if they haven’t acted on their urges. During this time, individuals might find themselves withdrawing from social interactions or neglecting self-care routines, which can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair. It’s crucial for those in this stage to seek support from friends, family, or support groups.
Mental Relapse
In this stage, thoughts of using substances again become more prominent. Individuals may begin wondering about relapsing. They might romanticize past experiences with substances, recalling the temporary relief or pleasure they provided. Individuals may also start to engage in risky behaviors, such as spending time with friends who use substances or visiting places associated with past use. It’s essential to recognize these triggers and develop coping strategies.
Consider professional support
This stage occurs when an individual engages in substance use again. The aftermath can be particularly challenging, as it often leads to feelings of guilt and shame that can perpetuate a cycle of further substance use.
Understanding these stages allows individuals to identify where they will need support before crossing into active use. Relapse is a process, rather than a single event. It’s important to have a plan in place for any stage, including reaching out to others for support.
Examples of Effective Relapse Prevention Strategies
Preventing relapse, particularly during times of success or happiness, involves ongoing commitment and strategies tailored to individual needs. Relapse prevention strategies are essential in maintaining long-term sobriety. Here are a few key practices:
Maintain a Strong Support Network
Regular check-ins with recovery groups, counselors, or friends can reinforce accountability and provide a safe space for sharing feelings or struggles. Addiction treatment programs can provide individuals with tools and support for navigating the challenges of recovery. As well, having people in a support system who understand the recovery journey at every stage can inspire compassion and strengthen bonds.
Work to Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
The importance of healthy coping mechanisms cannot be overstated. In moments of stress or emotional difficulty, engaging in physical activity, therapy, or meditation can provide positive outlets for emotions. Learning to recognize and respond to cravings at every stage of relapse (regardless of life’s conditions) can help in maintaining sobriety.
Set Realistic Goals
Realistic goals for sobriety can help with maintaining motivation. Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, can build up self-esteem. Embracing the journey of recovery can lead to feelings of personal fulfillment and even a sense of purpose. Individuals may find it much easier to resist the temptation of relapse.
Receive Support for Addiction Recovery at First Steps Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s essential to seek professional help. First Steps Recovery offers comprehensive support tailored to individual needs. We offer treatment programs for addiction and dual diagnosis treatment with various levels of intensity, so you can receive help no matter your obligations in daily life.
It’s never too late to seek help for addiction to drugs or alcohol, and healthy habits can be built at any stage. Contact us today to learn more.
Dr. Curl is the Medical Director and primary on-site provider for First Steps Recovery. He is a Board Certified Internist and Addiction Medicine Specialist having attended the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completing his residency at Mount Auburn Hospital with Harvard Medical School. Following several years work as an internist and physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation). Dr. Curl completed the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Howard University in Washington DC and participated as a RAM Scholar (Research in Addiction Medicine). While part of the fellowship, Dr. Curl pursued research investigating the barriers to expanding and improving medication for opioid use disorder. Following his fellowship, Dr. Curl spearheaded the Opiate Use Disorder outpatient clinic and worked in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences within the Howard University Hospital. In 2023, Dr. Curl completed his Board Certification in Addiction Medicine.
