Addiction relapse is a great mystery and frustration of addiction recovery.

What is it? Why does it happen? Most importantly, is it preventable?

Read on to discover the answers.

What is addiction relapse?

Most people don’t know that the addiction relapse is the process that precedes the re-engagement in addictive behaviors or substances. Not the time after engagement or use begins.

When does relapse happen?

Relapse does not happen until the person is aware of his addiction, understands the need for abstinence and has made a decision not to engage in the substance or behavior. Being aware of these factors the mystery of addiction relapse unfolds as people re-engage in destructive behaviors despite not wanting to do so. If a person has not made a commitment to quit, then re-engagement is no surprise.

Does relapse just suddenly happen?

No, though it may appear that way. There is an identifiable series of events, thoughts, feelings urges and cravings that all precede the action of going back to the addictive substance or behavior. The relapse process can happen in seconds or one may be in ‘relapse mode’ for years before the resumption of the addiction. Upon reflection the process can be readily identified in its component parts.

Is relapse a part of recovery?

Most addictions are defined as ‘relapsing diseases’, meaning that there is a high frequency of relapse. It is part of the condition. Therefore, caution and effective treatment calls for the development of a relapse prevention plan to anticipate and prevent the relapse. A person in recovery need not have a relapse, many do not. Examples of relapsing diseases are alcohol dependence, diabetes and hypertension. All share about the same rates of relapse.

What is a relapse prevention plan?

A relapse prevention plan defines alternative strategies to using by learning to identify and cope with triggers and cues, addictive and automatic thinking, regulation of uncomfortable emotions, handling urges and cravings, as well as developing alternate means of behavior. These strategies are all designed to stop resumption of addictive substances or behaviors.

What are the most common causes of relapse?

This is largely a subjective answer, but it almost always seems that it is not the ups and downs of life that cause a return to use, or “people, place, and things”. It appears to be more of an inability to handle the emotions life changes or people, places and things generate that cause relapse. Addicts are almost universally unable to identify, own and process uncomfortable or ‘negative’ feelings. Couple an inability to handle discomfort with a need for immediate gratification and poor impulse control common to almost all addicts and you have a recipe for disaster.

How is relapse avoided?

Develop a comprehensive relapse prevention plan. A holistic plan should address, physical, mental, family, social, spiritual, relationship and work areas of life. Professional help or a 12 step program can be of great help.

The most important piece is to implement the plan. Integrate recovery activities and awareness into your life on a daily basis. A plan is just a plan and has no effect until it is implemented.