Relapse Prevention means going back to heavy drug or alcohol use after a long time of not using them. Typically, a variety of things cause this.
- Stress
- Lack of support or not having a support group
- Negative/positive emotions
- Celebratory events
- Boredom
- Things/places/people that serve as reminders of past drug use
- Lack of coping skills or a structured treatment plan
This list does not include everything that can cause a relapse. Not following treatment programs or ignoring aftercare recommendations can also increase the risk of relapse.
Remembering that relapse can happen to anyone is important. Many different circumstances and factors can influence it. Relapse typically happens in three stages: emotional relapse, mental relapse, and physical relapse.
Nova Recovery Center
Emotional Relapse
In this stage of relapse, individuals are in a state of denial. They isolate themselves emotionally and physically. Eating, sleeping, and hygiene habits get worse. Even if they are not thinking about using drugs or alcohol, they ignore their own feelings and behaviors.
ALCOHOL
Withdrawal can be life-threatening without medical care. We monitor vital signs and use medications when needed to reduce symptoms and complications.
Opiates & Opioids Detox
From prescription painkillers to illicit opioids like fentanyl, our detox programs help manage physical dependence and intense cravings.
Benzodiazepines
Stopping medications like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan slowly with a doctor’s help is important. Stopping suddenly can lead to seizures and more anxiety.
Cocaine
While not physically addictive in the same way as opioids, cocaine detox requires emotional and psychological stabilization.
Heroin
Our compassionate team provides 24/7 support during heroin withdrawal, using medications and therapy to reduce discomfort and promote stability.
Methamphetamine
Meth detox can cause extreme fatigue, depression, and anxiety. We help ease these symptoms in a structured, supportive setting.
Prescription Drugs
We assist individuals taking medications such as Adderall, Ambien, or painkillers, concentrating on their physical symptoms and psychological well-being through prescription drug detox.
Synthetic Drugs
Detox from synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts, or designer stimulants is managed with careful observation and individualized treatment plans.
Nova Recovery Center
Relapse Prevention in
Addiction Treatment
Relapse prevention is an important aspect of drug and alcohol rehab. Clients in our addiction treatment center will go through rehab programs. These programs include different treatment options made for their individual needs.
They will work with counselors and recovery specialists. They will create a strong base for sobriety. They will use relapse prevention techniques, group therapy, and sober living in Austin. These components support long term recovery and reduce the risk of future relapse.
Exploring Positive and
Negative Effects of Drug Use
Clients explore drug use consequences through group discussions to support awareness and improve relapse prevention.
Identifying High-Risk Situations
Counselors help clients recognize risky situations through open discussions about past lapses, dreams, and drug-related thoughts.
Self-Monitoring
Clients can prevent relapse by tracking their feelings and actions. This helps them become more aware of themselves. They also learn when to ask for help.
Managing Lapses
Relapse doesn’t mean failure. Our team provides accountability and support to help clients recover from setbacks.
Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan
Each client leaves with a detailed relapse prevention plan that outlines actions and support if a lapse occurs.
Developing Strategies to Cope With Cravings
Clients learn coping skills to manage cravings effectively, understanding they are a normal part of the recovery process.
Nova Recovery Center
DETOX & REHAB LOCATIONS
All facilities have licensed professionals. Each one offers private rooms, holistic services, and long-term treatment options.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT
WE HAVE TO OFFER!
More Time. More Joy. More You. Start Now.
WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCES
Mental Relapse
At this stage, people may idealize their past memories of using drugs or alcohol. They might feel strong cravings for these substances and seek chances to use them again. They may also start convincing themselves that it’s okay to use again because they can control it this time.
Residential Rehab
Residential Rehab
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient Rehab
Sober Living
Sober Living
Physical Relapse
At this point, obsessive thoughts take over and the individual has a lapse. He or she physically starts using drugs or alcohol again. A single mistake does not mean you have lost all hope for sobriety. However, continued use can lead a person back to uncontrolled drug and alcohol abuse.
Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.
Same-Day Admissions in Austin Available.
Nova Recovery Center dedicates itself to helping you or your loved one get help. Please call or fill out this form for a confidential consultation. One of our understanding, dedicated advisors will contact you about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A relapse prevention plan is a personal guide. It helps people recovering from substance use avoid going back to drugs or alcohol. It typically includes identifying personal triggers, warning signs, coping strategies, and support systems. Treatment teams and support networks often share plans for accountability and reinforcement.
Relapse prevention plans lower the chance of going back to substance use. They do this by managing situations and stress that can lead to relapse. They help with long-term recovery by providing guidance during risky times. They also enable early detection of warning signs.
Relapse typically unfolds in three stages:
- Emotional relapse: declining self‑care, denial, isolation
- Mental relapse: cravings, internal conflict, rationalizing use
- Physical relapse: actual substance use.
Recognizing these stages early allows for intervention before a full relapse occurs.
Warning signs include mood swings, skipping recovery meetings, poor sleep or eating, growing isolation, and intrusive cravings. Noticing these behaviors early can prompt you to activate coping strategies or reach out for help.
Personal triggers may be emotional (e.g. stress, loneliness), environmental (places, people tied to past use), or situational (celebrations, stress). Strategies like journaling, therapy, and reflecting on past relapses help uncover these triggers.
Effective tools include CBT techniques, mindfulness, exercise, creative outlets, and building a sober peer support system (e.g. therapy, self‑help groups). These strategies boost self‑efficacy and offer healthier alternatives to substance use.
Treatment programs—including inpatient or outpatient rehab—provide structured planning and clinical support. Aftercare through therapy, sober living homes, and support groups reinforce relapse prevention and support long‑term recovery.
An effective plan should cover:
- Identified triggers and warning signs
- Personalized coping strategies
- A support system (names and contact info)
- Structured daily routines and self‑care habits
- Emergency steps for high‑risk scenarios (e.g. who to call, where to go)
- Recovery goals and motivation reminders
Relapse is common—studies show 40%–60% of people in recovery experience it. It does not signal failure; rather, it’s an opportunity to revise one’s recovery plan and learn from setbacks.
Loved ones should work together. They can help find times that may be hard, like holidays. They should also help make the plan. Finally, they need to be ready to offer support and understanding when needed.