Stages of Relapse
what are the stages of relapse
emotional, mental, and physical
trigger, thought, craving, use
what are the three different types of triggers
internal, external, and sensory
Are warning signs the same for everyone?
No, they vary from person to person but often include emotional distress, isolation, and cravings.
What is the best way to prevent relapse?
Maintaining a structured routine, practicing self-care, staying connected to a support system, and recognizing early warning signs.
What are the early signs of emotional relapse?
Signs include bottling up emotions, isolating, poor self-care (not eating or sleeping well), and mood swings.
What are common triggers that can lead to relapse?
Triggers can be emotional (stress, anxiety, depression), environmental (people, places, events), or situational (celebrations, conflicts, boredom).
How can someone identify their personal triggers?
By keeping a journal, reflecting on past close calls or relapses, working with a therapist, and paying attention to patterns of cravings.
What are warning signs of relapse?
Warning signs are behaviors, thoughts, or emotions that indicate someone is at risk of returning to substance use.
How does overconfidence lead to relapse?
Believing you are "cured" can make you let your guard down, stop using coping skills, and underestimate the risk of triggers.
What happens during mental relapse?
You start having cravings, reminiscing about past use, minimizing the consequences, or bargaining with yourself about using.
How do thoughts contribute to relapse?
Relapse often begins with thoughts that justify or romanticize past use, such as “One time won’t hurt” or “I can control it now.” (relapse justifications)
What is the best way to handle triggers when they occur?
Use coping strategies like deep breathing, grounding techniques, distraction, reaching out for support, and engaging in healthy activities.
Why is neglecting self-care a warning sign?
Poor sleep, unhealthy eating, and lack of exercise can lead to stress and emotional instability, making relapse more likely.
What role does mindfulness play in relapse prevention?
It helps individuals stay present, recognize cravings without acting on them, and manage emotions in a healthy way.
How can you stop mental relapse from progressing?
Distract yourself, talk to someone, challenge your thoughts, and remind yourself of why you quit in the first place.
How long do cravings typically last?
Most cravings peak within a few minutes and pass within 20-30 minutes if not acted upon. (20 or 30 minutes response is acceptable)
What should someone do if they encounter an unexpected trigger?
Pause, recognize the trigger, use coping skills, remove themselves from the situation if possible, and seek support from a trusted person.
What role does isolation play in relapse?
Isolation removes accountability and support, making it easier to fall into negative thinking patterns that can lead to relapse.
How can someone handle cravings when they arise?
Use distraction techniques, urge surfing (riding out the craving), deep breathing, and reaching out to a support person.
What defines physical relapse?
When you take that first drink, drug, or engage in the behavior you were avoiding.
What steps should be taken immediately after a relapse?
Reach out for support, identify what led to the relapse, recommit to recovery, and adjust the relapse prevention plan.
How does having a relapse prevention plan help with triggers?
A plan outlines steps to take when facing triggers, including emergency contacts, coping strategies, and reminders of why recovery is important.
What are the most serious warning signs that relapse is imminent?
Intense cravings, seeking out people or places associated with past use, lying about feelings, and making excuses to use “just once.”
what is the definition of relapse
a deterioration after a period of improvement. Meaning that it happens long before the substance is actually picked up.