Ten Most Common Reasons for Relapse

People relapse for many different reasons, but some causes tend to be more common.

The ten most common reasons for relapse include the following causes.

1. Withdrawal Symptoms

During the early stages of recovery, many recovering addicts will go through the detox process and experience withdrawal symptoms. Others who try to quit on their own (aka going “cold turkey”) are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Many people return to substance abuse due to the discomfort of many withdrawal side effects.

Ideally, recovering addict quitting their substance abuse will opt for a medical detox to go through the withdrawal process with medical intervention to help them remain sober.

2. Emotional Distress

Many addicts have a hard time coping with difficult emotions, and for many, drug or alcohol use became a way for them to run away from negative feelings. When a person is in recovery, things may feel positive initially.

However, life has ups and downs. Sometimes, a major “down” episode can put a recovering addict at risk for relapse because they don’t know how to cope with how they feel.

3. Mental Health Issues

Like emotional turmoil, mental health issues can contribute to relapse—especially if those issues are left untreated. Many recovering addicts also have underlying behavioral health concerns that may require additional, separate treatment.

While substance use disorder is a problem in and of itself, mental illness can contribute to an individual struggling to cope with their emotions or a particular situation.

4. Overconfidence

A relapse can occur because the person is too cocky or overconfident about their sobriety. They may put themselves in risky situations or around troublesome people, thinking that they won’t have any issues avoiding drugs or alcohol.

In reality, anyone in recovery is at risk for relapse. Acting as though relapse is impossible could put someone in danger of slipping up and falling back into old habits.

5. Reminders of Previous Use

Sometimes even little, subtle things can trigger relapse by reminding the person of previous instances of substance abuse. The clinking of glasses may bring up memories of drinking, and credit cards might remind them of cocaine use.

Many different and unexpected things might trigger cravings, so it’s essential not to be overconfident about your sobriety.

6. Boredom and Loneliness

Lacking a solid support system can significantly increase a person’s chance of relapse, and that’s why 12-step programs and other support groups can be so beneficial to a recovering addict. Having a support network of peers who understand what you’re going through can help hold you accountable for your sobriety.

Additionally, generally lacking things to focus your time and attention on can lead you down the path of considering returning to substance abuse. Many aftercare programs focus on creating new habits and hobbies to help people stay busy after completing an addiction treatment program.

7. Toxic People

Not all company is good company after completing rehab. Old friends or even family members that are still using/drinking or that enabled your drug and alcohol use in the past can trigger a relapse.

It’s important to set boundaries with family and friends in the early stages of recovery, including healthy friends and family members. Clear boundaries will help your loved ones support your sobriety and help you avoid temptation.

8. Lack of Self-Care

Believe it or not, practicing good hygiene and healthy habits contribute to maintaining sobriety. When we stop taking care of ourselves, we inherently tell ourselves that we aren’t worthy of respect and dignity.

If someone begins to believe that they are not worthy of basic human care, they can eventually fall into the trap of thinking that they’re worthless overall, so what would be the harm in returning to substance abuse?

9. Dating

There’s a reason why addiction treatment programs recommend not getting into serious or intimate relationships in the first year of sobriety. First of all, it can be challenging to navigate the dating scene when alcohol is often present on dates.

Second, relationships are not always easy. Uncomfortable feelings may arise from rejection, arguments, tension, and other related issues that can trigger a relapse.

10. Familiar Places

Recovering addicts should also avoid familiar spots where previous drug or alcohol use occurred. Sometimes being back in the same environment can subconsciously trigger a relapse.

Sober homes and halfway houses offer a positive potential living alternative for individuals that may feel triggered by their old neighborhoods or living situations.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov.