Does a Relapse Erase Progress in Recovery?

What’s the Difference Between a Slip and a Relapse?

While a slip-up might involve one instance of unplanned substance use, a relapse is a more serious return to old behavioral patterns. 

A slip is an unplanned, isolated incident of substance use after being sober for some time. It might be fueled by a strong craving or an unexpected situation. A slip doesn’t necessarily signify a return to full-blown addiction. But it does serve as a warning sign that you may need to adjust your recovery plan.

A relapse, on the other hand, indicates a more serious setback. It involves a return to regular or problematic substance use, and is usually accompanied by old behavioral patterns. A relapse might involve using for a longer period or neglecting other areas of life, and may require you to restart formal treatment.

While both slips and relapses can be discouraging, they can also be valuable learning experiences. By acknowledging what happened and getting help to correct its cause, you can return to your path with renewed determination and perspective.

What Counts as a Relapse?

The line between a slip and a relapse can be blurry. So what, exactly, counts as a relapse?

• Frequency and quantity of use: A relapse might entail daily or near-daily use, exceeding the amount you previously used before recovery, or using for an extended period.
• Impact on daily life: A relapse disrupts your daily functioning. You might neglect responsibilities like work, school, or relationships as substance use takes priority.
• Loss of control: Cravings are overwhelming and you struggle to control your substance use, even when you genuinely want to stop. 
• Return to pre-recovery behaviors: You re-engage in activities or social circles that are heavily associated with your past addiction. This could involve using with old friends or in familiar settings.

A single slip doesn’t define you. But experiencing these behaviors might signal a relapse and the need to recommit to your recovery plan with additional support.

Relapse as an Opportunity for Growth

Kara of Sober Girls Houston says relapse was a huge part of her recovery journey.² The numerous relapses, time in jail, and stays in rehab were all opportunities for reflection that eventually led her to break through the beliefs that kept her stuck in unwanted patterns. She cites one particular relapse as a breakthrough moment: 

That relapse provided an opportunity for me to get honest with myself, be desperate enough for change, but most importantly drop the ego. I needed that I needed that relapse.

All those struggles helped her get clearer on her relationship with herself, and with recovery. Today, she’s more proactive about making relapse prevention a part of her daily life.

I have to do things on a daily basis that take care of me, and it’s a very clear program now that I work for myself. That has been absolutely life-changing for me.

For Many, Relapse Is Part of Recovery

Hufsa Ahmad, who struggled with intense episodes of psychosis and suicidality after being severely bullied in school, says her mental health relapses³ taught her important lessons about long-term recovery:  

“Those 4 relapses were the lowest points in my life. Yes, I suffered greatly, but I gained something from every relapse: 

1. Empathy: I learned what it’s like to live with mental illness. 
2. I saw how much my friends cared about me: something I was so delusional I couldn’t see on my own. 
3. I witnessed what the illness took away from me, but I also saw what I could gain from it.
4. That relapse is part of recovery: that I will fall over and over again, but the important thing is to be proactive about relapse not reactive to it; to stay vigilant and take care of myself because my relapses—my struggles—have made me the person I am today.”

Proactively Preventing Relapse

Thankfully, the causes of relapse aren’t a mystery. Research shows that these factors make relapse more likely: 

• Low self-esteem
• Failure to complete residential substance use disorder treatment⁴
• Social isolation 

Causes of relapse among women⁵ include difficulty severing ties with their substance-based social networks, how their self-worth is affected by relationships with men, and interpersonal conflicts that increase negative thoughts.

Conversely, these factors protect against relapse: 

• Professional relapse prevention planning 
• Support from family and friends 
• Addiction-related knowledge and coping skills

Rebuilding After a Relapse

If a relapse does happen, it doesn’t have to derail your entire recovery journey. Plenty of resources are available to help you get back on track.

Professional Help

Reconnect with your rehab center. If you attended inpatient treatment, your rehab likely has resources available for alumni. These might include refresher courses, retreats, or connections to groups in your local community.

Look for a short-term or outpatient rehab program. A short-term stay at a rehab of your choice, or an outpatient program at a treatment center near you, can give you the time and space you need to stabilize yourself and adjust your recovery plan.

Find the best alcohol treatment or prescription drug treatment centers near you using our treatment finder tool.

Reach out to your therapist. Let your therapist know what you’re going through. Consider increasing your session frequency for a while to give yourself additional support during this vulnerable time. Together, you can explore the triggers that led to the relapse and develop ways to address them. 

Social Support

Surround yourself with positive people who support your recovery. When you feel safe to do so, let your trusted loved ones know about your relapse and lean on them for strength and accountability. Beyond friends and family, your support network might also include your AA sponsor, recovery peers, or other people from your sober community. 

You Can’t Change the Past, But You Can Rewrite the Future

No one wants to relapse, but the clarity you gain from tough moments can be transformative. Kara reflects on how her perseverance empowered her to build a better relationship with her daughter: 

The legacy that I am able to leave behind is one of a woman who really messed up in a big way, but never gave up. And now I’m affecting my life and her life and our family’s life as a whole. I can’t change the past, but we are rewriting the future. And it’s the most amazing experience.”

You, too, can rewrite your future. Find a treatment center that helps with chronic relapse, and regain control of your life. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Relapse in Recovery

Does one drink break sobriety?

Whether or not one drink breaks sobriety depends on what recovery philosophy you adhere to. For people who practice complete abstinence, having one drink can be a significant event. Even for those who don’t, it could signal a change that’s worth paying attention to. What’s important to remember, however, is that while a single drink might be a setback, it doesn’t erase all the progress you made. Use slip-ups as opportunities to assess what went wrong and adjust your recovery plan accordingly, and focus on progress, not perfection.

Is relapse a part of recovery?

Yes, relapse is a common occurrence in addiction recovery. In fact, many people who struggle with addiction will relapse at some point.

Relapse can be a valuable learning experience. It can help you identify your triggers and build your coping strategies to better manage them in the future. It’s important to seek help from your therapist or an addiction treatment specialist after a relapse to get back on track with your recovery plan.

How can I help someone who has relapsed? 

There are a few steps you can take to help someone who has relapsed:

• Act with compassion: Listen without judgment and offer emotional support.
• Set boundaries: Avoid enabling behaviors while still encouraging their recovery efforts.

Support them in getting professional help: Encourage them to seek help from addiction treatment specialists via inpatient rehab or an outpatient program.