A relapse, by dictionary definition, specifically relates to someone suffering from a disease (namely addiction). A relapse is a deterioration in someone’s state of health after a temporary improvement.
But what is a “freelapse”? Strictly defined, it’s a relapse that happens by accident. A person could take a drink at a party only to later discover it contains alcohol. While walking and passing by someone smoking, a person could breathe in smoke and realize too late that it’s actually clouds from a cannabis product.
A freelapse can be very demotivating in the journey to a life of sobriety. It may make a person fear they’ll never be able to rid themselves of the presence of drugs in their lives. Emotions after a freelapse may be mixed, but a person’s future is not doomed with addiction if relapsing happens by accident. It is absolutely not a sign of failure in the development of a life of sobriety.
The Motivations Behind Relapse vs. Freelapse
Relapse happens to those in recovery who are struggling with the disease of addiction. It usually happens after a period of improvement. They seek relief for this change in life circumstances is in drugs and alcohol. Those who suffer from addiction may sabotage their commitment to sobriety by turning to drugs and alcohol again. The thought processes, the decision making, and ultimately, the use of drugs and alcohol can all contribute to a deterioration of relapse.
Recovery from substance abuse isn’t just temporary. It doesn’t have to be just a period in somebody’s life, either. Recovery can last a lifetime. Each time one chooses to get sober and stay sober, they can stay sober for the rest of their lives.
Types of Relapse
Even within the idea of relapse, there are different types and motivations that can affect a person’s path to recovery differently. Sometimes they can act as stages of relapse itself, with a person succumbing to one after the other until they are finally using drugs.
The different forms of relapse include the following:
- Emotional relapse: A deterioration in one’s emotional state, often marked by an inability to regulate one’s emotions effectively. This may result in bad hygiene, feeling overwhelmed by feelings, and a lapsing of habits that might guard against using drugs (such as attending counseling sessions).
- Mental relapse: This is a breakdown of behavior that might guard against relapse, which affects thoughts about using their drug of choice. A person might start thinking about how they could start using drugs again, have fantasies about using drugs again, or start compromising on boundaries around addiction (such as no longer avoiding triggering places or lapsing on lifestyle changes you may have made to avoid relapses).
- Chemical/physical relapse: Making the decision to imbibe in drugs and/or alcohol again, then going out to enact that decision. It can happen once or be the result of a slow buildup after certain smaller relapses.
People throughout the recovery industry struggle to define what is relapse and what isn’t relapse. Relapse for other mental health conditions or behavioral addictions look a little different. For some people, physical relapse can also include stopping medication for co-occurring mental health disorders in their dual diagnosis treatment.
Living in recovery does not mean living in isolation away from any drugs and alcohol. Living in recovery means successfully reintegration into society and choosing abstinence in the face of temptation. A recovering addict or alcoholic can go to parties, attend social events, get sick, take medications for health purposes. Life can still happen.
Understanding Relapse and Freelapse in Addiction Recovery
In the realm of addiction recovery, understanding the nuances between relapse and freelapse is crucial. Relapse refers to the conscious decision to consume addictive substances after a period of sobriety. This intentional act often stems from a desire to escape feelings or to experience the high that drugs or alcohol provide. On the other hand, freelapse occurs when an individual unintentionally consumes substances, often due to external circumstances beyond their control. Recognizing these differences helps individuals in recovery develop effective strategies to manage triggers and avoid relapse, ensuring a more robust and resilient recovery journey.
For many in recovery, freelapse is a triggering and terrifying experience. It can also be a validating one. Addicts and alcoholics in recovery who have honestly realized they no longer want to get drunk or high don’t like how it feels to consume substances anymore. This is an incredible validation of their progress in their recovery. It is important to check in with a sponsor, counselor, or friend after experience with “freelapse” to check motives and talk through any cravings which could come up.
The Recovery Journey: Triggers and High-Risk Situations
One of the most formidable challenges faced by individuals in recovery is managing triggers and high-risk situations. Triggers can be internal, such as emotional states like stress or anxiety, or external, like certain people, places, or events. This is why one of the most worthwhile challenges in recovery is discovering one’s own triggers, so a person can deal with the challenges of life without lapsing back into drug use.
High-risk situations, such as social gatherings or stressful life events, can significantly increase the likelihood of relapse. To navigate these challenges, it’s essential to develop effective coping strategies and seek support from friends, family, or a treatment center. By doing so, individuals can maintain their sobriety and continue progressing on their recovery journey
The Dangers of “Just One Drink”
The notion of having “just one drink” can be a perilous temptation for those in recovery. While it might seem harmless, that single drink can quickly spiral into a full-blown relapse.
Addictive substances have a powerful effect on the brain’s reward system, triggering cravings and compulsive behaviors. Moreover, the mindset of allowing yourself “just one drink” can lead to complacency, making individuals more vulnerable to complete relapse. It’s crucial for those in recovery to prioritize their sobriety above all else.
By staying vigilant and committed, they can safeguard their recovery and continue to lead a sober life. This is true whether or not they belong to an organized treatment program.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Preventing relapse is a critical aspect of the recovery journey. Effective relapse prevention strategies include:
- Developing a robust support network of friends, family, and peers who understand the challenges of recovery.
- Coming up with alternatives to alcohol or drugs when socializing with friends, before you are put in that situation.
- Envisioning a future without addiction and coming up with phrases to remind yourself of that vision when tempted to relapse.
- Taking on personal projects, such as volunteering or home improvement, to build personal confidence.
- Developing sober social networks, such as a support group or a sober activities club.
- Practicing self-care and stress management techniques, such as mindfulness.
- Practicing regular forms of exercise or other activities that build up pride in one’s body.
- Avoiding high-risk situations where drug use took place in the past
- Building a comprehensive relapse prevention plan in a treatment program.
- Enrolling in an outpatient, sober living, or other organized accountability program for people recovering from drug addiction.
- Being open about cravings and urges with your support system.
- Ensure that you’re eating food and staying hydrated.
- Journaling about things that are wrong or opening up to a loved one about emotional struggles.
- Seeking professional help and treatment when needed.
- Coming up with a plan ahead of time for how to cope in the instance of freelapse.
By incorporating these strategies into their daily lives, individuals in recovery can reduce their risk of relapse and maintain their sobriety, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Recover From Addiction and Learn Relapse Prevention at Cypress Lake Recovery
It may feel intimidating to think about recovering from addiction to the point where you’re worried about relapse and freelapse. But if you’re looking to make a difference in your life and feel ready to talk about healing from addiction, Cypress Lake Recovery is ready to help you prepare to enter the world of recovery.
Don’t wait to start rebuilding your life. Reach out to us today and start dreaming of a life without drug and alcohol addiction.
Cypress Lake Recovery offers residential treatment programs are designed to rejuvenate, restore balance, and help clients find confidence. We provide excellence in addiction treatment. For information, call us today at 409-331-2204.
