Understanding Relapse
True or False: Relapse happens suddenly, without any warning signs.
What is False
This is the #1 trigger for relapse.
What is stress... Even positive stress (like starting a new job or relationship) can destabilize recovery if not managed properly.
What is the “addictive voice” focused on?
What is short-term pleasure with no concern for consequences
True or False: A relapse erases all your progress.
What is False
Name the three stages of relapse in order
What are emotional, mental, and physical relapse
What does HALT stand for?
What is Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
Name one common lie the addictive voice tells.
What is “I’ll quit tomorrow” or “I’ve got this under control” or “Just one won’t hurt”
What percentage of people typically relapse in their first year?
What is 40–60%
Name one early warning sign of emotional relapse.
What is isolation, poor self-care, or bottling emotions?
How long do cravings usually last?
What is 15 to 30 minutes
What part of the brain goes “offline” during intense cravings, leading to impulsive decisions?
What is the prefrontal cortex
What emotional response after relapse can lead to more using?
What is shame or guilt, beating yourself up, rather than compassion
This happens in the brain when someone romanticizes past substance use: "_________ recall"
What is euphoric recall
What technique teaches you to observe and ride out cravings?
What is urge surfing
Why does the addictive voice feel like your own voice sometimes and where does it actually come from?
What is because it comes from the emotional part of the brain and mimics your thoughts
What is the difference between a lapse and a relapse?
What is a lapse is one-time use; relapse is a return to old patterns
How long can it take for the brain’s reward system to stabilize after addiction?
What is 6 months to 2 years
What can you do to prepare for known triggers (e.g. parties or holidays)?
What is make a plan, bring support, or avoid the trigger
What’s a mental strategy for responding to the addictive voice?
What is identifying it as separate and rejecting it
What’s a long-term strategy to help maintain recovery after treatment ends?
What is aftercare planning, community support, or continued therapy