Is Relapse a Bad Thing

This is a common question when someone relapses.  A relapse starts long before someone starts using substances again after a period of sobriety.  The relapse first happens in the mind.  It can be triggering events that starts up that cycle of obsessing over the substance.  And once that obsessing starts, it typically is using that breaks the obsession.  This is common at any stage of recovery – though more common early in recovery before someone has gained the needed mental tools to deal with those mental relapses. Yet relapses can happen at any stage of recovery – even in long term recovery if not diligent to be doing those things that promote recovery.   In fact, the definition of addiction is “a chronic brain disease characterized by periods of abstinence with episodes of relapse.”  It isn’t that a relapse is a bad thing in and of itself.  What a relapse indicates is someone needs additional mental tools to deal with the substance obsessing.  A relapse only becomes a “bad” thing if someone remains in relapse and doesn’t return to sobriety.  Persistent relapses are a common indicator someone needs inpatient/more intensive treatment.  Inpatient treatment or intensive outpatient treatment provides the opportunity to focus entirely on recovery and gaining those needed tools to bring about and sustain recovery. It is important to sustain hope after a relapse.  Getting back into recovery as quickly as possible is the target and what needs to be done.  At it is vitally important to remember as the old AA adage says, “one day at a time.”  The goal of recovery is to be clean and sober today.  Yesterday is gone and tomorrow hasn’t come.  All each of us has is today.

Plaza Behavioral and Addiction Health clinic is here to help anyone who is caught in the throes of addiction.  Our providers have the skill and experience to successfully treat the disease of addiction.  The treatment is compassionate and a comprehensive outpatient treatment that addresses those elements that have been disordered due to addiction.  If you or someone you love is willing to accept treatment, we are here to provide that needed help.

Dan Criswell, MD
Plaza Behavioral Health and Addiction