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Regarding addiction, relapse is a return to substance use after a period of nonuse. This reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior is common and does not mean that individuals who relapse have failed to recover from drug addiction or drug dependence. Relapse is merely a part of the recovery process.1
Although these definitions make relapse sound like a singular event, it is a gradual process. There are three stages of relapse:2
Understanding the symptoms of relapse allows you to recognize them if or when they appear. You can then take action to prevent relapse. Catching yourself in the early stage of relapse, when changing your behavior is easier, can make a world of difference.
Knowing what counts as a relapse symptom can also help with managing negative self-talk. For example, brief thoughts of using addictive substances are normal in early recovery and do not indicate that relapse is imminent or that you are doing a poor job of recovery.4
Knowing what may trigger the desire to relapse allows you to avoid those triggers. Some of these triggers may include:
Social isolation
Celebrations
Seeing old friends who still use (peer pressure is a powerful force)
Being in high-risk situations
Experiencing high levels of stress
Entering relationships too early on in the recovery process5
Other triggers may not be so avoidable. For instance, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition(DSM-5) reports that withdrawal symptoms can contribute to relapse for a variety of substances. Mental illnesses, like anxiety or depression, can also be relapse triggers.
Having a plan for seeking help before entering the beginning relapse stage can be extremely beneficial in avoiding a full-blown relapse. Consider making sure you know where a local chapter of a 12-step group meets. You can also acquire the contact information of other group members (or a sponsor) who can guide you through your emotions and thoughts.
Prolonged poor self-care can lead to a relapse. Mental, physical, and emotional states are tied together. For some, self-care is physical – eating well, getting plenty of sleep every night, and getting regular exercise. For others, self-care is emotional, such as putting oneself first, being kind to oneself, permitting oneself to have fun. Practicing good self-care is an important part of relapse prevention.
Distraction can be used to improve willpower, so do something to occupy yourself when you think about using. You might call a friend, go to a meeting, go on a walk, do a crossword puzzle, have a cup of coffee, or play a musical instrument. If you are not able to physically get to your distraction, you can try to imagine it.6
SMART Recovery is a non-profit organization providing a mental health and educational program focused on changing human behavior to those who desire to achieve abstinence, free of charge.
SMART Recovery’s 4-Point Program aims to help those in recovery to:9
Build and maintain motivation to change
Cope with urges to use
Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors effectively without addictive behaviors
Live a balanced, positive, and healthy life.
Meetings (online and in-person) are run by volunteers and facilitators who are themselves recovered addicts, and those who “graduate” from the program are invited to volunteer.
Rational Recovery emerged in 1988 with the publication of Rational Recovery from Alcoholism: The Small Book, by Jack Trimpey. The program is based on Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy, a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. The program specifically avoids using spirituality or religiosity as a part of recovery, placing emphasis instead on self-examination of one’s irrational beliefs.10
In practice, a “coordinator” leads a group of 5-10 members in weekly, 90-minute meetings to learn “cognitive devices” for securing abstinence. Members write out irrational beliefs that activate their desire to use, and they can “cross-talk” about their attitude toward abstinence, vulnerability to their addiction, and ways to overcome it.
LifeRing Recovery is one of the less structured support programs. The only membership requirement is abstinence, there are no sponsors, and there is no compulsory model to follow. Rather, LifeRing defines the individual’s own motivation and effort as the key to recovery. Members are expected to develop their own “Personal Recovery Program”.11
A “3-S” philosophy of Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help is used to expose participants to ideas that have worked for others and encourage participants to try those that appeal to them. To quote from LifeRing’s website, “You do the hard work, and we offer information, advice, understanding, and lots of support.”
Iris Healing® strives to be diligent and prompt in updating the information available on our website. Please note, however, that our treatment modalities and protocols are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date details regarding our treatment offerings or other protocols, please contact us: (844)663-4747
At Iris Healing®, we offer a free and confidential verification of benefits with no commitment required. For our in-network insurance partners, Iris Healing® accepts PPO, EPO, and HMO plans. For out-of-network insurance, we accept most PPO policies. We are happy to answer any questions you have related to insurance coverage for mental health and addiction treatment.
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
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