Key Takeaways
- Relapse is a gradual process that occurs in three stages: emotional, mental, and physical.
- Recognizing early warning signs during the emotional or mental stages can prevent a return to substance use.
- Emotional and behavioral shifts, such as isolation or bottling up feelings, often appear before cravings start.
- A strong relapse prevention plan and support system are key to long-term recovery success.
- Virtue Recovery Killeen offers evidence-based treatment and support to help clients navigate the relapse process and stay on track.
Introduction
Relapse doesn’t happen out of nowhere. It begins with small, often unnoticed changes in mood, habits, or thinking. Over time, these changes can lead a person back to drinking or using drugs—but it’s rarely just one bad decision. Instead, it’s usually the result of a gradual shift that moves through several stages.
Understanding the three stages of relapse—emotional, mental, and physical—can make all the difference in preventing a setback. By spotting the signs early, individuals and families can take action before things spiral out of control.
In this article, we’ll break down each stage of relapse, explain what to look for, and show how to get support before a full return to substance use occurs.
Relapse Is a Process, Not a Moment
Relapse is often misunderstood as the single act of using drugs or alcohol again. But in reality, relapse begins much earlier—sometimes weeks or months before actual use. The process moves through clear and predictable stages. Each stage has its own warning signs.
When people understand these stages, they’re better equipped to make choices that support recovery. They can take preventive action before the urge to use becomes too strong.
Stage 1: Emotional Relapse
In the emotional stage of relapse, a person isn’t actively thinking about drinking or using drugs. But they may start feeling off, both mentally and physically. They might stop using healthy coping strategies and begin to isolate from people who support their sobriety.
The signs are often subtle at first. Someone might stop attending meetings or therapy sessions. They could start keeping their feelings inside rather than talking them through. Little by little, self-care habits like eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising may slip away.
Mood changes also show up during emotional relapse. A person might feel anxious, easily irritated, or overwhelmed, even if they can’t pinpoint why.
Even though there’s no conscious desire to use substances during this stage, the groundwork is being laid for future risk. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention and respond to these early shifts.
Stage 2: Mental Relapse
The second stage of relapse involves a mental tug-of-war. Part of the person wants to stay sober, but another part begins to fantasize about using again. These thoughts can start out small and quickly grow.
They may begin to miss the feeling of being high or drunk. They may remember only the fun and ignore the pain. Some might even start thinking, “Maybe I could control it this time,” or “Just once won’t hurt.”
As these thoughts build, the person may start planning. They might consider calling an old friend who uses or driving past places where they used to drink. Even if they haven’t picked up yet, they’re moving dangerously close.
Mental relapse is a critical stage. Once someone begins actively planning or justifying a return to use, it becomes much harder to resist the urge. That’s why recognizing and interrupting this pattern early is key.
Stage 3: Physical Relapse
Physical relapse is what most people think of when they hear the word “relapse.” It’s when a person returns to using drugs or alcohol. It may begin with “just one” drink or pill, but it often turns into more.
After the first use, a person may feel guilt, shame, or even hopelessness. They may worry that they’ve failed completely or that recovery is no longer possible. These feelings can make it harder to stop again.
But relapse is not the end. Many people experience a setback during recovery, especially in the first year. What matters most is how they respond. With the right support, a person can get back on track and continue building a life free from addiction.
Why Relapse Happens
Relapse doesn’t happen because someone isn’t strong enough. It happens because addiction is a chronic brain disease, and recovery takes ongoing effort and support.
Common triggers include:
- High stress
- Unresolved trauma
- Mental health struggles like anxiety or depression
- Lack of structure or routine
- Overconfidence in one’s ability to stay sober alone
Often, relapse begins when someone stops doing the things that were working—like going to meetings, reaching out for help, or following their treatment plan.
Understanding why relapse happens doesn’t make it less serious, but it does help reduce the shame and self-blame that often follow. With the right tools, relapse can become a stepping stone rather than a stopping point.
How to Prevent Relapse
The best way to prevent relapse is to build awareness and act early. That means noticing emotional or behavioral shifts before they lead to mental and physical relapse.
Daily check-ins, talking openly about stress, and sticking to a regular routine all help. So does maintaining a connection to your recovery community—whether through meetings, therapy, or a sponsor.
Having a relapse prevention plan is also essential. This plan should include coping strategies, support contacts, and reminders of why sobriety matters. Knowing what to do when warning signs appear can stop the process before it reaches the final stage.
If you notice yourself—or someone you love—slipping into old patterns, reach out. A small conversation today can prevent a crisis tomorrow.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve already experienced a relapse, or if you feel yourself struggling to stay sober, you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Virtue Recovery Killeen, we specialize in helping people at every stage of the recovery process. Whether you’re just starting out, rebuilding after a relapse, or working on long-term goals, our team is here to support you.
Our programs include:
- Relapse prevention training
- One-on-one therapy for emotional healing
- Mental health support for co-occurring disorders
- Peer support groups
- Aftercare planning for ongoing success
You can recover from relapse. You can learn from it. And you can return to your recovery journey stronger than before.
Conclusion: You Can Spot and Stop Relapse Early
Relapse doesn’t have to be part of your story—but if it is, it’s not the end. By learning the three stages of relapse, you can take control of your recovery and make empowered choices.
Whether you’re in early recovery or have years of sobriety, staying alert to emotional, mental, and physical warning signs will help protect your progress.
If you or someone you love is at risk, reach out today. Call Virtue Recovery Killeen at 866-843-0545 to speak with a caring team member and get back on the path to lasting recovery.
FAQs About The 3 Stages of Relapse & Warning Signs
What are the three stages of relapse?
The three stages of relapse include emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse. Understanding these stages can help in developing a relapse prevention plan.
What are early warning signs of relapse?
Early warning signs of relapse may include feelings of stress, isolation, or a decline in motivation. Recognizing these signs can help individuals seek support before a full relapse occurs.
How does addiction treatment address the risk of relapse?
Addiction treatment programs focus on providing coping strategies, therapy, and support systems to reduce the risk of relapse. This includes education on the stages of recovery and identifying triggers.
What is the first stage of relapse?
The first stage of relapse is emotional relapse, where an individual may not be actively using drugs or alcohol but begins to experience emotional distress that can lead to relapse.
What are the signs of emotional relapse?
Signs of emotional relapse include anxiety, irritability, and neglecting self-care. Recognizing these signs can help individuals take proactive steps to maintain their recovery.
How can one prevent a relapse?
To prevent a relapse, individuals should create a relapse prevention plan that includes coping strategies, support systems, and regular check-ins with their treatment program.
What role do treatment options play in the recovery process?
Treatment options are crucial in the recovery process as they provide individuals with the tools and resources necessary to manage their addiction and navigate the stages of recovery effectively.
What is the final stage of relapse?
The final stage of relapse is physical relapse, where an individual engages in drug or alcohol use after experiencing the earlier stages of emotional and mental relapse.
How does the National Institute on Drug Abuse define relapse?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines relapse as a return to substance use after a period of sobriety. It emphasizes that relapse is common and can be part of the recovery journey.
What are effective prevention strategies for relapse?
Effective prevention strategies for relapse include staying engaged in treatment programs, building a supportive network, attending support groups, and practicing self-care to manage stress and emotions.
Resources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4553654
https://www.flcourts.gov/content/download/732700/file/RELAPSE
- About the Author
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Gigi Price holds licenses as a Master Social Worker and Clinical Drug Counselor. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work at Texas State University. Over the last decade, Gigi has been dedicated to utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and treatment planning, resulting in positive, long-term outcomes for patients and their families. Her passion lies in creating a treatment environment where professionals collaborate to bring about positive change and provide a safe, trustworthy therapeutic experience. Patients can be confident in receiving top-quality care under her leadership.
In her role as the Clinical Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Gigi conducted research to identify the most effective approaches for treating patients with acute mental health diagnoses, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorder. She then assembled a team of skilled clinicians who could offer various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
(DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Gigi takes pride in overseeing the development and implementation of Virtue Houston’s Treatment Program, which includes two specialized therapeutic curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and PTSD.
