Many misconceptions surround relapse or a “return to use.” It is one of the most feared parts of the recovery process, as many people relate it to “failure” or having to start over. But this isn’t the case. Recovery is not a linear path. It is a cyclical process that includes periods of remission and relapse. What’s most important is how you respond to the setback.
As long as you recognize the relapse, seek support, and adjust to your recovery plan, you can get back on track and continue your journey.
One of the things that can be helpful in this process is learning how to recognize the signs of an impending relapse. Many people assume that relapse is a single event that just happens, but it’s actually a process.
People move through various stages, and if they don’t acknowledge their needs and seek help, they can end up physically relapsing. However, by recognizing the various stages of relapse, you can get ahead of the cycle and prevent a return to use.
Continue reading to learn more about the three stages of relapse in more detail, along with the signs and symptoms to be aware of.
Stage 1: Emotional Relapse
The first stage in the overall relapse process is an emotional relapse. During this phase, you’re not actively thinking about drugs or alcohol. However, your thoughts, actions and behaviors are potentially setting yourself up for one. Why? Because you’re not fully embracing a sober lifestyle.
When people look back at the factors that led to relapse, they often find that this is the part in their recovery where they started to fall off track. They may have gone to meetings but stopped sharing, or they may have stopped attending meetings altogether.
The signs that you are experiencing an emotional relapse are:
- Bottling up your emotions
- Isolating yourself from others
- Not putting your recovery first
- Poor eating and sleeping habits
- Not managing emotional problems
- Experiencing mood swings and irritability
- Focusing on other people’s problems to avoid your own
If you notice the signs of emotional relapse, you have time to change things. The issue is that most people are never aware that they are headed in this direction. Denial is common at this stage, and many people are not comfortable in their own skin, so they don’t let others know how they’re feeling.
Stage 2: Mental Relapse
If you don’t work on yourself during emotional relapse, you’re at a higher risk for mental relapse, which is the second stage of the process. During a mental relapse, you are essentially at war with yourself.
Part of you is thinking about returning to drugs or alcohol, and part of you is not. It’s not uncommon to begin fantasizing about substance use – remembering all the “good” times you had in your old life and forgetting about the bad.
As you go deeper into this stage, the need to escape increases. This puts you at an even greater risk for physical relapse. The signs and symptoms to pay attention to include:
- Cravings or urges to use drugs or alcohol
- Thinking about the people, places and things associated with past use
- Hanging out with old friends
- Minimizing the past consequences of your substance use
- Bargaining – this refers to thinking of situations where it would be okay to use drugs or alcohol
- Fantasizing about using substance use
- Planning a relapse
Making the right choices is more important than ever, as you’re walking a fine line in the second stage. There are a number of strategies to manage a mental relapse, such as talking to a trusted person, using relaxation techniques, playing the tape through, and distracting yourself with hobbies and activities.
Stage 3: Physical Relapse
When you ignore an emotional and mental relapse, you are more likely to experience a physical relapse. This involves physically taking drugs or alcohol. As you can see, it is a process. If you end up going to a bachelor party and getting drunk with old friends, it didn’t happen out of the blue. Looking back, you’ll be able to see where things started going south.
For example, maybe you started going to your recovery groups less often, or you started hanging out with old friends again. Maybe you began fantasizing about drinking alcohol or craving excitement and adventure. Then, you put yourself in a situation that allowed you to relapse. You may have even been planning this for some time, assuming you could drink once at the party and get sober again.
Stopping the Cycle of Relapse – Get Help Today
By no means is relapse a necessary part of the recovery process. However, many people do relapse, and it does not mean they have failed. Relapse means you have more learning and growing to do.
It’s also an indication that something in your recovery plan needs to change. Perhaps you need to attend more meetings, not less, as well as find an additional hobby, build a bigger support network or spend more time self-reflecting.
Awakenings Treatment Center in Agoura Hills, CA recognizes that addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life, which is why treatment must address them. We are prepared to offer you a full continuum of care to address your substance use problems, including relapse prevention and aftercare.
If you believe you are at risk of a relapse, contact us today. We can get you the support you need to stay on track with your sobriety.
