Reoccurrences in Recovery: Understanding Lapses, Relapses, and the Path Forward

Recovery is often described as a journey rather than a destination. Like any journey, there may be unexpected detours, roadblocks, or moments when someone loses their footing. One of the most misunderstood aspects of recovery is the possibility of a return to substance use. Many people view any use of a substance after a period of abstinence as a failure. In reality, recovery is much more complex, and understanding the difference between a lapse and a relapse can help individuals respond with self-compassion, accountability, and renewed determination.

What Are Reoccurrences in Recovery?

The term reoccurrence is increasingly used in the recovery field as a more compassionate and clinically accurate alternative to the word "relapse." Similar to other chronic health conditions, substance use disorders can involve periods of symptom remission and periods when symptoms return (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2020).

A reoccurrence refers to the return of substance use or addictive behaviors after a period of recovery. It does not erase the progress a person has made, nor does it mean treatment has failed. Instead, it may indicate that recovery supports need to be adjusted, strengthened, or revisited.

Research has shown that recurrence rates for substance use disorders are comparable to those of other chronic conditions such as asthma, hypertension, and diabetes (McLellan et al., 2000). Just as a person with diabetes may experience elevated blood sugar levels and require treatment adjustments, a person in recovery may experience a return of symptoms and need additional support.

Understanding the Difference: Lapse vs. Relapse

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, a lapse and a relapse are not the same thing.

What Is a Lapse?

A lapse is a brief, isolated return to substance use or an addictive behavior. It may involve a single use or a short-term episode that is quickly recognized and addressed.

For example:

• Someone with six months of sobriety drinks alcohol at a wedding but immediately reaches out to their support network.

• A person misuses a substance one time after experiencing an unexpected stressor but recommits to recovery the following day.

• An individual recognizes their mistake, seeks support, and returns to their recovery plan.

A lapse is often viewed as a warning sign rather than a complete return to active addiction. While it should be taken seriously, it can also provide valuable information about triggers, vulnerabilities, and areas where additional support is needed (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005).

What Is a Relapse?

A relapse involves a more significant return to problematic substance use and a departure from recovery-focused behaviors. Rather than a single event, relapse is often a process that develops over time.

A relapse may include:

• Repeated substance use after a period of recovery.

• Disengagement from treatment, support groups, or recovery supports.

• A return to previous patterns of addictive behavior.

• Increasing difficulty regaining control without professional assistance.

Importantly, relapse rarely happens suddenly. Researchers describe relapse as a gradual process involving emotional, mental, and physical stages (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005).

The Three Stages of Relapse

Understanding the stages of relapse can help individuals identify warning signs before substance use occurs.

Emotional Relapse

During emotional relapse, a person may not be thinking about using substances, but their behaviors and emotions begin creating conditions that increase vulnerability.

Common signs include:

• Bottling up emotions

• Increased stress

• Isolation

• Poor sleep

• Neglecting self-care

• Skipping recovery meetings or appointments

  
  

Mental Relapse

Mental relapse involves an internal struggle between the desire to stay sober and thoughts about using.

Common signs include:

• Romanticizing past substance use

• Thinking about people or places associated with use

• Cravings

• Bargaining ("Just one time won't hurt")

• Planning opportunities to use

  
  

Physical Relapse

Physical relapse occurs when a person actually returns to substance use.

Recognizing emotional and mental relapse stages early can often prevent physical relapse from occurring (Melemis, 2015).

Why Do Reoccurrences Happen?

Recovery involves much more than simply stopping substance use. It requires developing new coping skills, healing relationships, managing stress, and creating a sustainable lifestyle.

Some common factors that contribute to reoccurrences include:

Stress

Financial difficulties, work demands, family conflict, and major life changes can increase vulnerability.

Untreated Mental Health Symptoms

Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and other mental health challenges can significantly impact recovery if left unaddressed.

Lack of Support

Recovery often thrives in connection. Isolation can make it more difficult to navigate challenges and maintain accountability.

Overconfidence

Sometimes individuals begin to feel they no longer need meetings, treatment, medication, or support systems. While confidence is important, abandoning recovery supports prematurely can increase risk.

Trigger Exposure

Certain people, places, emotions, situations, or memories can activate cravings and increase vulnerability to substance use.

How to Respond After a Lapse or Relapse

The moments immediately following a reoccurrence can be critical. Feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, or hopelessness may arise. However, these emotions can either motivate positive action or contribute to further substance use.

Be Honest

Acknowledge what happened. Denial often prolongs the problem and delays support.

Reach Out Immediately

Contact a trusted support person, sponsor, therapist, care manager, recovery coach, or treatment provider.

Identify the Trigger

Ask yourself:

• What was I feeling before this happened?

• What circumstances contributed to this?

• What warning signs did I miss?

Practice Self-Compassion

Taking responsibility is important, but excessive self-criticism can be harmful. Recovery is not about perfection; it is about persistence.

Revisit the Recovery Plan

A reoccurrence may signal that additional supports are needed. This could include:

• Increasing counseling or therapy appointments

• Returning to support meetings

• Strengthening healthy routines

• Re-engaging with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate

• Building a stronger support network

Reoccurrence Does Not Erase Progress

One of the most damaging myths in recovery is the belief that a lapse or relapse means all previous progress is lost.

Imagine someone who exercised consistently for a year and missed one week of workouts. We would not say their year of progress disappeared. Recovery works similarly.

Every day of recovery matters. Every coping skill learned, healthy decision made, relationship repaired, and challenge overcome remains meaningful.

A reoccurrence does not erase growth. It simply highlights areas that may need additional attention moving forward.

Moving Forward with Hope

Recovery is rarely a perfectly straight line. Many individuals experience setbacks before achieving long-term recovery. What often distinguishes those who continue progressing is not the absence of challenges, but their willingness to learn from them.

If you or someone you love experiences a lapse or relapse, remember that help is available. Recovery remains possible. A difficult day, a difficult week, or even a difficult season does not define a person's future.

Every day offers a new opportunity to reconnect with support, recommit to recovery, and continue moving forward.

Recovery is not measured by perfection. It is measured by resilience, growth, and the courage to keep going.

References

Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

McLellan, A. T., Lewis, D. C., O'Brien, C. P., & Kleber, H. D. (2000). Drug dependence, a chronic medical illness: Implications for treatment, insurance, and outcomes evaluation. JAMA, 284(13), 1689–1695. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.284.13.1689

, S. M. (2015). Relapse prevention and the five rules of recovery. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 88(3), 325–332.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.https://nida.nih.gov