Are you someone who works hard to stay away from alcohol or other drugs? While you're at it, have you suddenly relapsed? When that happens, you may feel a lot of sadness, shame, and guilt. You may think, "I've tried so hard, but I'm still failing." I can understand the weight and pain you're feeling. But wait a minute. Let's talk about this. Because this is not your fault or your defeat. This is something that can happen on this journey. The important thing is that you can get out of this situation.
What exactly is "relapse"?
Simply put, a relapse is when you start using a drug or alcohol again after trying to stop or avoid it. Some people call this a "slip-up," which means you made a small mistake. However, it simply means that you have started using the substance that caused your addiction again.
But here's something very important for all of us to understand. Substance Use Disorder is a medical condition that you have. Just like diabetes or high blood pressure. It's not a judgment on your character. It doesn't say you're a bad person or a weak person. The truth is, everyone who lives with this condition will experience relapse at some point.
So, if you have relapsed, the most important thing is to get the help and medical treatment you need to recover. If this happens to you, don't be afraid or ashamed to talk to someone you trust. It could be a family member, a best friend, your doctor , or a support group. No one is going to judge you or blame you. They just want to keep you safe, keep you healthy, and help you succeed on this journey.
Remember, relapse doesn't mean you're a failure. It just means your treatment plan needs to be tweaked a little more, strengthened a little more.
What are the triggers for reuse?
The triggers may be different for everyone, but there are a few common ones that affect most people. Knowing about these is important for you and your loved ones.
| Trigger | To explain simply... |
|---|---|
| Familiar people or places | Reuniting with friends you used to use drugs with, or going back to places you used to go (e.g., certain parties, bars), can bring back old memories and habits. |
| Changes in health status | If you develop a new illness, or if you have previously taken painkillers, your mind may wander to that side when you get sick again. |
| Special days | On special occasions like New Year's Eve, Christmas, birthdays, or weddings, seeing how people around you celebrate can make you want to use it again. |
| Big changes in life | When you lose your job, have a family problem, break up a relationship, or die, you may find yourself unable to handle the pressure that comes with big changes in your life and may turn to that path again. |
| Strong emotions (good and bad) | When you feel angry, sad, scared, or guilty, you may feel like going back to your old habits to get rid of it. Also, even on a very happy day , you may feel like using it as a "celebration." It takes a while to develop the mindset that you can be happy and celebrate without drugs. |
Three stages of relapse - let's identify them
You may think that relapse happened all at once, but it actually happens in stages. If you are aware of these stages, you or someone you love will be able to recognize the warning signs early.
1. Emotional Relapse
This is the first stage. You may not even be thinking about using drugs again at this point. But your feelings and behaviors are starting to push you in that direction. See if these things happen to you:
- You avoid support groups.
- You are distancing yourself from people who are close to you and who help you.
- They keep their feelings bottled up inside and don't tell anyone.
- The way you eat and drink suddenly changes (eating a lot or losing interest in food).
- Changes in sleep (sleeping a lot or not sleeping at all).
- I try to stay alone, away from good things and hobbies.
2. Mental Relapse
This is when a big battle starts inside your mind. One part of your mind says, "No, I won't use again." But the other part thinks about using again and starts to crave it.
Think of it like your brain is betting on you. When you become addicted to drugs, your brain's functioning can be permanently altered. That's why you feel like you can't control these thoughts.
- I often think about the old days and how they were used.
- Thoughts like "It's okay if it's just once" come to mind.
- I'm thinking of ways to use it secretly.
Having these thoughts doesn't mean you're weak. It's part of the illness. It's never too late to ask for help. When you feel this way, talk to someone you trust right away. Don't go through this battle alone.
3. Physical Relapse
This is the final stage. It means you actually start using drugs or alcohol again. This could be a one-time mistake. Or it could be a continuation of using.
Whatever the case, remember that everyone on this journey is going through this experience. It doesn't mean you can't stop again. If your long-term goal is to stay off drugs, you can definitely do it. Talk to your doctor and your support team right away and start this journey again.
How to prevent relapse?
"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So there are a few things we can do to avoid this situation again.
- Stay with treatment: This is the most important thing. Don't skip things like taking your prescribed medications, seeing your doctor and counselor on time, and participating in support groups. Over time, you will learn which treatments work best for you.
- Understand your triggers: Understand what triggers you to use again. For example, you may feel like drinking again during the holidays or at parties. So, you need to be prepared to deal with those days before they happen. Make a plan for those days with someone you trust. Have a conversation beforehand, saying, "If I feel like this, I'll call you."
- Recognize thought patterns: Often a relapse occurs when there is an "opportunity" for it. Do you have thoughts like planning to use it when no one is home? Do you think, "No one will know, just take it once"? These are ways your brain tricks you. When these thoughts come up, recognize them as a warning sign and seek help immediately.
The journey to recovery from drugs is a lifelong one. There will be setbacks along the way. That doesn't mean you're defeated. There really is no such thing as winning or losing. If your goal is to stay sober, you can always come back to that goal. You're not alone.
Take-Home Message
- Relapse is not a defeat. It can be part of the recovery process.
- Substance Use Disorder is a medical condition. It is not a character flaw.
- Identify triggers that make you relapse. These can be people, places, feelings, or special days.
- Be aware of the stages of relapse (emotional, mental, physical) so you can recognize the warning signs early.
- If you are thinking about using again or have used, never hide it. Don't be ashamed or afraid, tell your doctor, family, or a trusted friend right away . Asking for help is a sign of strength.
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