Relapse in Recovery: Why It Happens and What to Do

Relapse is one of the most stigmatized and misunderstood aspects of recovery. Harmful assumptions that associate relapse with failure make people hesitant to talk about it at all, but that silence can keep people from seeing help when they need it most. By talking about relapse openly and compassionately, we can help people recognize warning signs sooner and feel empowered to reach out for support. We’re breaking that silence and discussing what relapse is, why it can happen and what steps to take next.

What is relapse and why is it important to talk about, especially this time of year?

Relapse — also called “recurrence of use” or “recurrence of symptoms” — occurs when someone returns to substance use after a period of recovery. Relapse is common: approximately 40-60% of people treated for substance use disorder will experience recurrence of use at some point, per The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 

This topic is especially important during the holiday season, when relapse risk tends to rise. People in recovery may face stressful family dynamics, social gatherings where substances are present, financial pressures, grief and disrupted routines which can make managing recovery even more challenging. 

What should someone do if they experience a recurrence of use?

First thing’s first: don’t give up. A recurrence of symptoms doesn’t undo progress or mean treatment didn’t work. It also doesn’t define your future or mean you’re beyond help.

Our second piece of advice? Don’t wait to reach out for support. Asking for help is a strength, not a failure. Whether you choose to talk to a counselor, sponsor, trusted friend or treatment provider, talking to someone right away means you can regroup and reassess before your situation escalates. 

While a recurrence of use can be disheartening, it doesn’t mean it’s game over for your recovery journey. View this as a checkpoint: an opportunity to re-evaluate and adjust treatment to ensure your treatment plans can be updated to better support you. It can lead to new coping skills or strategies designed to set you up for continued recovery.

Why is it important not to treat this with shame or blame?

Many people are unwilling or afraid to ask for the help they need, leading many to go untreated. Simply put, shame and stigma keeps people sick. 

The reality is that recovery is not linear, and setbacks happen. When people feel judged or shamed, they are less likely to seek care or stay engaged in recovery. Compassion, support and accountability are what motivate healing. 

Think of a recurrence of symptoms as a health event, not a moral failure. Substance use disorder is a chronic disease, and recovery is a lifelong process. In fact, the relapse rates for substance use are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses, according to the NIDA. As with any chronic illness, if someone deviates from their care plan, a recurrence of symptoms is likely, which highlights the need for continuing treatment. 

What should everyone know about relapse?

A recurrence of use doesn’t erase all the progress you’ve made. Recovery is still possible: people continue to experience recovery every day, even after setbacks. 

If you know someone going navigating this, it’s important to be supportive of what they’re experiencing. Listen without judgment, be patient and kind with them, and encourage treatment that can help get them back on track. Sometimes, the simple act of being heard can make all the difference. 

If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to us at CTI-OK.org or give us a call at 918‑384‑0002. We’re here for you.