Relapse is not a single event of taking that first sip or using again. Rather it’s a process that started gradually many months prior to the physical relapse. Knowing this allows you to identify the warning signs of relapse.
The Stages of Relapse
Dr. Steven Melimis, an addiction and recovery expert, explains that one early warning phase is emotional relapse. Signs of emotional relapse include bottling up emotions, isolating, not going to meetings, going to meetings but not sharing, focusing on others or how others are impacting you, poor sleep, and unhealthy eating.
In short, self-care worsens, leading to emotional tension, feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, and discontent in general. Depression and anxiety may be apparent here.
Mental relapse is the next phase as the need for escape from emotional discomfort increases. It includes craving, glamorizing past use, thinking about people, places, and things, envisioning ways of controlled substance use, and looking for relapse opportunities or actually planning a relapse, e.g., on an upcoming trip or celebration.
The third stage is physical or actual relapse.
Points of Intervention to Avert Relapse
All three phases are potential points of intervention to avert relapse:
- In terms of an emotional relapse, I as a psychiatrist might prescribe medications to ease depression, anxiety, discontent, and cravings. I might also use psychotherapy to help ease family conflict, triggering the deterioration in self-care.
- The risk of mental relapse is the reason that AA meetings are ubiquitous on cruise ships and at airports. Celebrations and milestones are a known vulnerability for relapse.
- Planning for physical relapse involves healthy rehearsing exit strategies, for example, knowing what to say when someone offers you a drink or drug.
Resources for Recovery and Relapse Prevention
Recovery is a process of growth and, to my mind, is one of the most important movements of hope in our world. Recovery never gives up.
Here is a video from Dr. Melimis on reducing the risk of relapse. Share it freely with family or friends who might find it useful.
Another good resource is Smart Recovery. In addition to groups, they have a manual that many people find useful.
Support for Your Recovery Journey
My door is also open if you or your friends or family wish to discuss Recovery, preventing relapse, or are interested in medication tools that might aid in this process.
Wishing you good health over Thanksgiving and the holidays.
Celebrate meaningfully while being aware of the risk of relapse and the importance of the Recovery journey for so many in our circle.
