Last Updated:
January 8th, 2026
What is a relapse?
A relapse takes place when someone who has been sober or abstinent returns to a substance or behaviour they were trying to leave behind. The idea sounds straightforward, but the experience itself is more complex. A relapse can happen after only a short break from using or long into recovery, meaning there’s no set time of when and where it can happen.
It’s key to remember that a relapse does not erase the progress already made, and it’s something that indicates strengthening and reevaluation are needed. Addiction lasts over time, and setbacks can appear when life becomes heavier or when someone’s coping ability feels stretched.
Many professionals describe relapse as something that grows gradually rather than something that arrives in a single moment. Emotional reactions may change first, and patterns in thinking or behaviour can start drifting away from what once kept recovery steady. When these early signs are noticed and understood, the chance of a full relapse becomes lower.
What are the different stages of relapse?
It might seem as though a relapse is pretty clear-cut: the person returns to the addiction, whether it’s temporary or for longer periods. But relapses actually unfold in different stages, some of which aren’t as obvious as others.
Each stage of relapse has its own signs, and recognising them early helps protect recovery.
Emotional relapse
An emotional relapse is the earliest stage of a potential return to addiction, but it doesn’t involve using or even thinking about engaging. Instead, it’s when a person begins slipping back into old emotional patterns that used to accompany their addiction. They might still be committed to recovery, going to work, keeping up with daily tasks or attending meetings, but underneath that, their internal world starts to feel unsettled.
Signs may include:
- Pulling away from loved ones or support groups
- Disrupted eating habits
- Weakened motivation
- Attending meetings but finding it difficult to participate
Mental relapse
A mental relapse is the stage where the internal struggle becomes much clearer. Unlike an emotional relapse, which sits beneath the surface, a mental relapse is when a person starts toying with the idea of engaging with the addiction. They may not necessarily act on it initially but part of their mind begins to do things like romanticise about the past or consider a ‘one-off’ usage. This creates an almost internal tug-of-war: one part wanting to stay sober, the other part leaning back toward the addiction.
Signs may include:
- Thinking about places or people connected to past use
- Viewing previous use through a softened lens
- Creating “permission statements” such as “just once”
- Feeling uneasy when trying to ignore these urges
Physical relapse
A physical relapse is when a person returns to substance use after a period of sobriety. It happens when emotional and mental pressures build to a point where coping breaks down and using feels like the quickest escape. It’s important to remember, though, that this stage reflects a loss of control rather than a lack of effort or commitment.
If you’re dealing with this stage yourself or perhaps know loved ones who have physically relapsed, it’s not a sign that you or they are a ‘lost cause’. It’s a sign that further help and support are needed.
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs listed above, it’s crucial to reach out to someone who can help you, like your sponsor, to ensure it’s dealt with swiftly.
Why relapse does not mean failure
Earlier, we mentioned how relapsing doesn’t mean failure, and for someone not involved with addiction, it might seem like a strange statement to make. Let’s make this clear: relapse does not mean failure, and it doesn’t erase progress. It signals that a relapse prevention plan needs strengthening in one or more areas or perhaps new plans need to be crafted to fit the situation.
As we all know, life has a habit of changing, sometimes even rapidly. If a relapse prevention plan was created for a person at a certain point in their life, it may become weakened as the person enters a new stage of their life. This could bring new, unexplored stressors, environments, thought processes or even new people that could interfere with relapse prevention strategies.
So, how is a relapse prevention plan created or strengthened?
How relapse prevention is strengthened in therapy
Relapse prevention is a core component of addiction treatment and continues long after detox and rehab end. Therapists will help people examine the paths that lead the person to engage in their addiction and find ways to fix them. This is usually done through therapy, as certain therapeutic methods are built to challenge and replace negative thought processes with positive ones.
These include:
While you may not experience all of these therapies at once, you may notice that therapists take elements from different approaches and apply them to your situation. This creates an emotional toolbox that you can rely on whenever you face something difficult.
For example, you might unexpectedly run into an old friend you used to use with. This could act as a trigger, so by using your relapse prevention toolbox, you may choose a grounding technique or a breathing exercise to remove yourself from the moment and regain control.
When to reach out for help
Relapse prevention depends on steady support and a clear understanding of what your recovery needs are at each stage. If you notice emotional pressure building or cravings returning with more force, this is the time to reach out rather than wait for things to settle on their own.
Professional rehab centres can guide you through these difficult stages and provide solutions to your issues. They offer therapy, rehab, structure and follow-on support that help you rebuild the parts of your recovery that feel shaky.
It doesn’t matter if you are seeking help for the first time or returning after a difficult period, professional rehab centres are here for you when you need them the most. Contact us today.