When it comes to addiction, it refers to a person engaging in addictive behavior after a period ofabstinence.
During a relapse, a person returns to using a substance.
A single use might cause a person to feel unmotivated, guilty, or ashamed of their actions.
Verywell / Laura Porter
It can also result in intense cravings that then lead to further use.
After a relapse, getting back on track as soon as possible is important.
For a shopaholic trying to follow a budget, a relapse could be going on a full shopping spree.
Relapses can also occur in physical and mental health conditions.
In a health condition, they involve the return of disease symptoms.
In mental health, they involve the return of symptoms after a period of recovery.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
How Common Are Relapses?
Relapse is a hallmark of addiction.
The American Addiction Centers report that 40% to 60% of people will relapse.
Is Relapse a Sign of Failure?
They might abandon their efforts, feeling that quitting is too difficult.
Even some treatment programs take a hard line on participants who relapse.
Good treatment programs plan ahead for this possibility by including relapse prevention in the process.
It is important to remain focused on recovery immediately after a relapse.
Thinking through what led to the relapse is an important step in preventing it from happening again.
For example, were there any triggers, either positive or negative, that happened just before the relapse?
But happy events can also trigger a relapse, especially if others celebrate with alcohol.
It is important to put this in perspective.
In addition to seeking professional treatment, you might consider joining a12-step programor other mutual support groups.
Getting appropriate treatment for co-occurring mental health and medical conditions can also help reduce your risk of relapse.
Care for Yourself
Caring for your mental and physical health is critical for effective relapse prevention.
Work on adopting ahealthy lifestylethat includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of sleep.
Stress relievers that might help you manage acute and long-term stress include deep breathing, meditation, andmindfulness practices.
American Society of Addiction Medicine.Public policy statement on relapse in healthcare and other licensed professionals.
Parks GA, Marlatt GA.Chapter 6: Relapse prevention therapy.
In: Heather N, Stockwell T, eds.The Essential Handbook of Treatment and Prevention of Alcohol Problems.
J. Wiley; 2004.
AmericanAddictionCenters.Alcohol relapse and recovery statistics.
Hendershot CS, Witkiewitz K, George WH, Marlatt GA.Relapse prevention for addictive behaviors.Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy.
2011;6(1):17. doi:10.1186/1747-597X-6-17
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Reducing relapse risk.
Melemis SM.Relapse prevention and the five rules of recovery.Yale J Biol Med.
2015;88(3):325-332.
