Overview and definition, Causes, preventing a relapse
•Link to Get Help Now •Link to Active Recovery •Link to Local Treatment Directory •Link to Recovery Programs
The path to recovery comes with many twists and turns and doesn’t always go as planned. Relapse is a normal but dangerous phase of recovery.
[BUTTON] Get Help Now
What is Relapse?
A relapse happens when a person stops maintaining his or her goal of reducing or avoiding the use of alcohol or other drugs and returns to previous levels of use.
Causes of Relapse
- Tempting situations – circumstances or places where the person would have previously used
- Triggering circumstances – insecure housing, professional or personal setbacks, social pressures or stigma
- Pre-existing mental health or emotional issues
- Pre-existing physical health issues
- Guilt caused from a slip-up or lapse
[BUTTON] 40%-60% of people in recovery experience relapse
Preventing a Relapse
The best way to prevent a relapse is to practice coping behaviors consistently, build a support system, and avoid risk factors.
- Have a list of personal reasons for staying sober
- Use healthy examples of stress-relief strategies
- Keep a schedule of local support group meetings
- Have someone to call and a safe place to go
[BUTTONs]
Active Recovery Local Treatment Directory 12 Step Programs