A relapse is best defined as a return to addictive behaviors that previously lead to an addiction. Relapse is a common part of recovery, as there is no straight line of the process but practicing healthy coping skills. Even after treatment, multiple studies have shown that recovering patients are 60% more likely to relapse. This can make the journey more painful, but the struggling person must endure, seeing this as a learning moment. With a proper understanding of relapse, a patient has an opportunity to combat their triggers and react more efficiently.

It’s important to remember that a relapse prevention plan is resourceful but won’t solve all of the issues. Maintaining your focus on recovery and identifying your triggers are the primary goals for a relapse prevention plan. Patients can anticipate scenarios where they would be exposed to use and craft strategies to overcome their impulsive behaviors. The intense healing from this process could prepare the patient for practical situations. Substance use disorders are influenced by underlying issues that a patient must address for recovery to take place. 

Intense healing therapy practices aim to target the obstacles with addiction. Relapses usually occur in stages, best described as:

Emotional Relapse

This could begin with a recovering individual slowly isolating themselves from others, such as not showing up to group meetings. This withdrawal may not even be conscious; the individual could begin experiencing anxiety and hopelessness but won’t be transparent. For example, if you notice a recovering loved one opting to talk about their feelings or generalized responses, this could be a sign of emotional relapse. This is challenging because it can be subtle to notice, but earnest attention is needed.

Mental Relapse

This stage is usually when thoughts of use begin to invade the mind once again. The urge to use can brew conflicting feelings, making the isolation worse for those in recovery. Imagine a volcano that erupts with no warning — these thoughts are old patterns fighting to stake their claim. Those struggling with relapse might visit places of use or meet up with friends who enable the behavior.

Physical Relapse

Physical relapse is often recognized as the final stage of relapse, typically marked by contact with the addictive substance. This could be a drink after hours when everyone is asleep or scoring a few pills for a “just in case” situation. By engaging in the substance just once, it jeopardizes the entire recovery process. This is noted as the most difficult stage because an individual struggling might assume the key is to say “No,” despite the clutch of the relapsing.

First developed by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1938 by founder Bill Wilson, The 12-Step Program is a thorough plan designed to treat compulsive behaviors and addictions. With foundations in Christianity, the 12-Step Program is structured around the member submitting to a higher power to commit to the healing process. This plan is beneficial due to the support model that allows other members to guide the recovery process. The 12-Step Program can be very transformative for those struggling with addiction, but more secular approaches are available.

Spiritual healing therapy has credit in bridging a connection outside of your addiction. The components of the 12-Step Program in our Austin rehabilitation centers include:

1. Admitting the control the addiction has over you
2. Believing whichever higher power can guide you
3. Grant permission for the higher power to take over
4. Personal reflection through self-inventory
5. Admitting the wrongdoings of your addiction to the higher power
6. Embracing the higher power to fix these wrongdoings
7. Asking the higher power to cleanse you of these wrongdoings
8. Creating a list of those you hurt and the amends you’ll make
9. Making contact with those you’ve hurt, unless it would cause more damage
10. Embracing humility and practicing self-inventory
11. Seeking enlightenment and intimacy with the higher power
12. Pass on the knowledge of the steps to your peers

Despite being created for Alcoholics Anonymous, the positive experiences Wilson learned branched into Narcotics, Heroin, and Gambling Anonymous through the Big Book. The practice of the 12-Step Model encourages people to look after each other and themselves in the fight for abstinence. Group therapy sessions are meant for open communication and provide support for people at varying stages of recovery. The tools provided by the 12-Step Program prep those struggling with a sense of relief and enriches their mental health.