Is Relapse Always a Risk?

Because addiction is a chronic condition, it requires lifelong care to mitigate any harmful effects or circumstances. That means people in recovery must consistently make choices conducive to their long-term sobriety. Doing so can significantly reduce the risk of relapse, but is relapse always a risk? 

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to a question like this. Some people struggle with relapse more than others. While you may not always experience intense cravings or feel triggered to relapse, the potential risk can be long-lasting. That's why being diligent about your sobriety by utilizing resources and Irelapse prevention techniques is vital. For those continually struggling to reduce the risk of relapse, NorthStar Transitions can help. 

What Causes Relapse?

It's imperative to emphasize that relapse is not failure. That goes for if you experience one relapse or experience them frequently. Addiction is a complex condition that sometimes makes you question your actions and thoughts. Its chronic nature makes it more difficult to manage long-term symptoms, and relapse is an unfortunate part of the recovery journey. But what exactly causes them? 

Co-occurring disorders are a significant contributing factor that may increase a person's risk of relapse. When they're involved, treatment is vital. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), individuals with mental health conditions are at an increased risk of developing an addiction. Some co-occurring disorders people may experience include: 

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia 
• Bipolar disorder 

Dual diagnosis focuses on treating any mental and substance use disorders (SUDs) involved. Treating addiction without focusing on other mental health conditions is like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound. Without the proper care, additional problems can present themselves. 

Other potential risks for relapse include the following: 

• Lack of coping skills or support systems 
• Unaddressed trauma
• Toxic relationship 
• Emotional triggers
• Early unintended exposure to substances 

Is Relapse Always a Risk for Everyone?

Though relapse is common, someone people struggle with it more than others. A number of reasons may put you at a greater risk for relapse. For example, individuals with severe trauma may be easily triggered. Other individuals experience intense feelings of isolation and loneliness that lead to relapse. 

Even though relapse isn't always a risk for everyone, it can be hard to come back from. For many, it can even be fatal. Some people experience a quick fall off the wagon, but for others, it's a slow process. The stages of relapse include the following: 

• Emotional relapse is when a person isn't thinking about using. However, emotions and behaviors can potentially set a person up for relapse later. That may be because they're isolated, aren't attending meetings, or are bottling up harmful emotions. 
• A mental relapse occurs when a person begins craving substances. They may increasingly think about people, places, or things related to substance use. Oftentimes, they find themselves actively looking to relapse too. The thought of relapse becomes more than just a thought. People begin to seek out the opportunity. 
• The final stage of relapse is when it physically occurs. A person may begin using again on a single occasion, but with each lapse, they further down the rabbit hole of relapse. It can be challenging to recover from the occurrence, but not impossible. Unfortunately, for many, a single relapse can be enough to cause an overdose. 

Despite the setback, individuals who've relapsed can achieve sobriety again. However, they must first acknowledge the setback, analyze where things went wrong, and make changes to their relapse prevention plan accordingly. But how can they successfully overcome relapse and rediscover recovery? 

How to Overcome Relapse and Rediscover Recovery

The first significant way to overcome a relapse is to focus on relapse prevention. A relapse prevention plan is essential to handling the fallout of a relapse. Some skills you can utilize include: 

• Mindfulness and meditation 
• Breathwork and relaxation techniques 
• Attending a local support group 
• Identifying your triggers and learning how to manage them 
• Practicing self-care, which includes exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough quality sleep 
• Utilizing the handy dandy HALT acronym to consider when you're craving substances because you may actually be hungry, angry, lonely, or tired 
• Create a contact list of your support network and reach out during crises 
• Consider additional help when things are severe 
• Continue learning coping techniques to manage SUD and co-occurring symptoms 

Why Is Relapse Always a Risk in Some Cases?

Unfortunately, a good portion of individuals in recovery relapse at some point. However, not everyone does. There's no science behind why that is. Some people simply have a solid relapse prevention plan and endless amounts of support. But that doesn't mean you're failing if relapse is a consistent risk. Many factors may be contributing to that. 

If a relapse is always a risk, consider additional support through support groups, peers, and aftercare programs. Our alumni program at NorthStar Transitions has successfully helped clients manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. We can also help you too. 

Addiction is a complex condition that turns the lives of millions upside down. It's a beast of an illness, and its chronic nature requires constant long-term maintenance. Unfortunately, that means relapse may occur, but is relapse always a risk? Despite its commonality, not everyone experiences a relapse. Factors such as trauma, isolation, or the presence of co-occurring disorders can cause individuals to be more susceptible to relapse. Regardless of these factors, people must always be diligent because the risk of relapse is there even if they don't actively experience triggers or cravings. To learn more about overcoming relapse and managing your symptoms of SUD, contact (303) 558-6400. NorthStar Transitions can help you maintain long-term sobriety today.  

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