It is very important to understand that relapse, just like recovery, is a process not an event. In fact what we discussed the relapse process, it actually ends when a person picks up a drink or drug. At that point you are entering a using episode. Everything that happens before picking up is actually the relapse process.
When exactly somebody enters in to the relapse mode is very difficult to define and can point. What happens is that very subtle changes occur in a person’s attitudes, beliefs, and emotions, all leading to the point were returned to chemical use makes sense. It is a subtle change in attitudes and thought processes that move a person from “I know I can’t use >>>>>>>>> I can use once more and control it.”
Let’s take all look a four stage model of relapse:
4 Stages of Relapse
First stage – I am on aware. I don’t see it, and have no idea I am in trouble. (people around us may notice subtle changes in attitude and behavior).
Second Stage – We become restless, incurable and discontent. Our focus chefs from internal to external, we stop focusing on ourselves and start focusing on other people around us. We start blaming, acting the victim, fear and anger start to become evident.
Third stage - Unresolved feelings occur and they are not dealt with in a healthy manner. We go into the emotional and physical withdrawal, the start to isolate. Negative attitudes start to predominate such as compulsive behavior is, we start discounting recovery, we engage in May it magical thinking.
Fourth stage - A crisis in our life causes provides the excuse for us to start using it again, or we create a crisis that rationalizes are returned to use. In other words, we have made the decision to use, and are ready to light the fuse.
As we move through the stages of relapse, a few different things are occurring. Firstly, the need to regain our ‘right’ to re-engage in our addiction seems to make sense. We talk ourselves into the false belief that this time we can control it.
There’s a gradual and progressive destabilization of our lifestyle. Lastly, Stress and Stressors will accelerate this process. The stress factors we’re talking about here can best be pointed out by observing the warning signs of relapse.
Related posts in Main
{ 1 trackback }
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
You are absolutely right the individual is able to make any reasons for having alcohol. We can see in the modern world that consumption of alcohol has increased to a wide extent. The first stage of alcohol addiction can be controlled by the loved ones of the individual without the help of any rehabilitation centers.
You make a very interesting point. A relapse is often considered the entire act, but it’s really not. It’s all leading up to the actual drinking or drug use. That is why programs for alcohol recovery are so crucial in prohibiting not only the relapse, but the act itself.
Interesting info. about relapse. It happens with everyone who tries to give up some addiction . The stages of relapse enumerated in the article are truth reflecting. One has to come over it.
Thanks Bill. I have read a lot about the triggers that may cause a relapse, but this article was different; I appreciate that enjoyed reading it. You mentioned that “It is a subtle change in attitudes and thought processes that move a person from “I know I can’t use >>>>>>>>> I can use once more and control it.”
In your opinion, do you think there is truly a point, especially during stages 1-3 , when the individual becomes aware of the fact that they are heading towards a relapse, but cannot, or does not want to, do anything about it?
I look forward to your response. Thanks!!
Although I have never personally experianced relapse, I have learned vicariosly through folks in AA groups that I appreciate and agree with your ideas on relapse
Nice work. Great post Billy!
I believe the reason why people relapse is that they haven’t chnaged their thinking or perspective on things. They tend to be white-knuckling it. I did this for a long period of time, staying sober but just hanging desperately, until a big, long messy relapse.
Thankfully the second time around, I realised that I had to do work on myself. Now I am sober and couldn’t be happier. I don’t think about drinking these days, I think about living. and I help others to do the same, which is amazing.
Beth Burgess
Recovery Coach
Life Recovery Coach´s last [type] ..Home