Relapse can be frightening for people in recovery. However, it frequently triggers additional complex emotions: some may be enticed by the allure of relapse, others may experience tremendous shame over their relapse, and still, others may regard relapse as an existential threat brought on by unknown and mysterious powers. Relapse, on the other hand, maybe seen and avoided, and a person can protect their recovery by checking for warning signals, being aware of the risk, and attention to their own needs.

Finally, relapse is a part of many people's stories, and it doesn't mean that they can't find long-term sobriety. However, remaining on the lookout for relapse is critical since it carries the risk of overdose or death, and someone who relapses should carefully assess their treatment options to offer themselves the best chance of resuming recovery. Speak with someone about relapse.

In this post, we'll look at the most prevalent causes of relapse, why relapse is associated with such a high risk of overdose, and how to maintain long-term sobriety after relapsing, with a focus on opioids. 

Are Relapses Common?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "Relapse rates for addiction resemble those of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma." According to statistics, 40 to 60 percent of people suffering from addiction will relapse.

"Why bother with treatment or sobriety if nearly half of people in recovery will relapse at some point?" some might think. The other half of those who do not relapse have found long-term sobriety, as well as the associated health and happiness. And abstinence isn't the sole indicator of success: individuals who relapse will still have the resources, support system, and coping tools from therapy to help them get back on track whenever they're ready.

What triggers relapse?

Consider rehabilitation as a continuum, with relapse on one end and a well-planned program consisting of self-care, selflessness, and growth-oriented activities on the other. The concept and process of relapse then become a little clearer: it's not a binary in which someone is either sober or relapsing, but rather a series of continuous movements in either direction as a person gracefully responds to recovery's blessings and challenges, or engages in increasingly dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors.

Relapse is total dysfunction, defined as a pattern of ideas or behaviors that destabilizes recovery and makes the use of alcohol or other drugs enticing. A return to addiction makes sense to this person since they've internalized, listened to, and agreed with the reasoning of addiction.

How can a person stay sober and avoid relapse?

Patients learn to recognize high-risk scenarios and relapse warning signs during treatment and develop relapse prevention plans that they can use in dangerous situations, triggers, and other life stressors. The illness model of addiction is also presented to patients, which says that addiction is persistent and progressive.

To put it another way, it's a lifelong condition, which means sufferers must carefully maintain their recovery through a variety of coping strategies, support networks, and self-care routines. People in recovery will be able to navigate any relapse threat by employing those critical methods.

What are the signs if a person has relapsed?

If someone is under the influence of alcohol, opioids, or other drugs, the observable consequences of such drugs are obvious indicators of relapse. It's crucial to remember, however, that many persons with substance use problems are masters at concealing their addiction from others around them.

Unfortunately, if a person is new to recovery, the active effects of alcohol, opioids, or other substances are typically the only signs that outsiders may use to assess whether relapse has happened, as they shift into a new recovery lifestyle may not have taken full effect.

Outsiders can observe the behavioral changes and warning indicators that accompany relapse more clearly in those who have been in recovery for a longer time, such as someone abruptly leaving their home-group 12-Step meeting. See the list of warning indicators below for a complete list of behavioral changes.

What are the symptoms of a relapse?

Those most at risk of relapse will observe some or all of the following behavioral changes:

• Priorities shifting, with recuperation becoming less important
• Obsessive habits
• Imaginative thinking
• Isolation
• Unstable emotions
• Leaving support groups
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Unhappiness in general

How to Handle Relapse

Consider the following steps if someone you know has relapsed:

• Examine for intoxication, overdosing, withdrawal, or suicidal ideas, and remove any children who are in danger.
• If at all feasible, remove the person from their current setting and away from any substances.
• With or without a signed release of information, inform any counselors or therapists of the person's recurrence.
• Express your sentiments and concerns for the person who has relapsed.
• Offer any assistance you can and encourage them to enter therapy or a medical center.
• Request assistance from your support system.

If you relapsed, remember that recovery is a long process that frequently includes relapse and often leads to long-term success. You can learn from this and improve your relapse prevention strategy; you can re-enter a treatment facility or seek clinical therapy for the first time; and you can always, always work toward long-term recovery.

Reach out to health care providers if you or someone you love is having trouble staying sober. You're not on your alone in this scenario. Substance use disorders are prevalent and treatable, and there is no shame in seeking treatment for addiction.