Relapse in Recovery: What Does it Mean?

Avoiding the Dangers of Relapse in Recovery

Another factor of relapse is that it might introduce an individual to a substance they have not taken before. For example, people who are in recovery from alcohol could become addicted to prescription pain relievers or benzodiazepines. Later on, they may end up relapsing back onto alcohol again since they are already abusing pills.

Other factors are involved in a relapse that makes it difficult and unpleasant. The fact remains that relapse is a concerning issue for all who experience it. A relapse in recovery is a threat to life, a sense of failure, and will often lead to death.  A person who experiences a relapse and survives it should get back into rehab as soon as possible.

What to Do if Relapse Occurs

A relapse is unfortunate, but not the end of the world. If a relapse occurs, getting immediate treatment is vital.  The individual should go to a different center than the one they initially attended. Relapse is an indication that there was something about their addiction that the previous program didn’t address appropriately. However, just because a person has relapsed does not mean it is the end of the line for them.

If a person takes the opposite route and goes back into substance abuse, they are convincing themselves that it is hopeless.  Essentially, the person is admitting defeat and sealing their fate. They likely will not last long, as relapses tend to create overdoses and deaths. In fact, studies show that more than half of all overdose deaths occur in someone who is getting back into substance abuse again after having been sober for an extended period.