What Are The 3 Stages Of Relapse?

Overcoming substance abuse is a formidable challenge that many people worldwide face.

In the long journey toward recovery, one of the most significant hurdles to overcome is the risk of relapse of drug or alcohol use disorder.

This article can help you identify the signs of the three stages of relapse and discover strategies for adjusting your behavior and environment to lead a healthier, sober life.

Signs Of Emotional Relapse (Stage 1)

Emotional relapse is the first stage in the relapse process. At this point, people are not actively contemplating substance use.

Instead, they are experiencing inner turmoil and emotional instability, which may manifest as mood swings, irritability, and poor self-care.

People may struggle due to a combination of internal conflicts alongside outside environmental factors, such as passing by places associated with past substance use or being around people who still use.

People in the midst of emotional relapse may struggle to keep up with basic acts of self-care, such as feeding themselves and maintaining healthy sleep habits.

These emotional struggles can be thought of as warning signs and often indicate a need to connect with a support system, prioritize mental health, and practice self-compassion.

If you recognize emotional relapse signs in yourself, reach out to your therapist, sponsor, or a trusted support group member before the feelings escalate. This is the easiest stage to interrupt. A single honest conversation can be enough to reset your footing.

Signs Of Mental Relapse (Stage 2)

Mental relapse is the second stage, characterized by a tug-of-war within the person’s mind. On one hand, there’s the desire to remain sober, but on the other is the allure of past substance use.

During the mental relapse stage, people may start fantasizing about and have cravings for the substance they once used. These internal thought patterns are often difficult to ignore.

They may start glamorizing behaviors associated with past drug use, and may even revisit the people or places they once frequented while using.

Mental relapse is the critical window for intervention. Call your sponsor, attend a meeting, or contact your treatment center’s aftercare line. If you have a relapse prevention plan, this is the moment to use it. Don’t wait until the urge feels manageable on its own.

Experiencing Physical Relapse (Stage 3)

The final stage is physical relapse, where the person actually returns to substance use. Once this stage is reached, it can be challenging to stop the relapse process from progressing.

Often, physical relapse requires a return to early recovery efforts and reliance on support systems. However, it’s important to remember that relapse doesn’t have to be a permanent setback.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), relapse rates for substance use disorder are estimated at 40% to 60%. This is comparable to relapse rates for other chronic conditions, like hypertension and diabetes. This comparison underscores that relapse is a medical reality, not a personal failure.

Know that you are not alone in the fight. People experiencing addiction relapse symptoms are encouraged to seek the help they need to get back on track to sober living.

Relapse Triggers: How To Manage Them

It’s worth noting that not everyone who experiences emotional or mental relapse will progress to physical relapse.

Identifying and addressing the early signs as they manifest can be crucial in preventing a bigger setback.

Some notable triggers that can increase the risk of relapse include:

• stress
• co-occurring mental illness
• lack of social support
• negative coping skills
• environmental factors

Spending time identifying some of the daily triggers that may come up in your recovery journey can be a valuable aspect of staying sober.

A simple tool for checking in with yourself when triggers arise is the HALT method: pause and ask whether you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. These four states are among the most common relapse triggers and often amplify each other. Addressing one of them by eating a meal, calling a friend, or getting rest can be enough to reduce the intensity of a craving before it escalates.

If you or a loved one who is recovering from substance use disorder finds themselves overcome with daily stressors, try practicing behaviors that can calm you down during high-intensity moments.

Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and gentle yoga practice, can be beneficial to add to your self-care routines.

Finding Support When You Need It

Support from professionals, friends, and family, as well as the development of effective coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies, can significantly improve the chances of staying sober.

Many people may benefit more from finding support among peers. Engaging in group meetings with others who are in recovery can be very helpful.

A rigorous outpatient program can also be a good way to keep recovery in mind as a part of your weekly routine. Ask your support system or a licensed counselor at a treatment center for available care options.

Don’t be afraid to lean on friends and family during the hard moments. They are there to support you in your journey to live a healthier life and can keep you on track toward what’s best for you.

For people recovering from opioid or alcohol use disorder, FDA-approved medications, including buprenorphine, naltrexone, and acamprosate, have been shown to reduce relapse risk when combined with behavioral therapy. If you’ve experienced a relapse or are concerned about one, speak with a healthcare provider about whether medication support is appropriate for your situation.

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Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff