For many individuals in recovery, relapse is part of the journey. While there is an assumption out there that a relapse is a moral failing, the truth of the matter is that it is not. What relapse is a setback that can be used as a teachable moment and one that can be addressed with adjustments to treatment, renewed commitment, and stronger support.
What happens, though, when relapse occurs regularly, despite continued efforts to address the relapse healthily and productively?
When this occurs, it is known as chronic relapse. Chronic relapse can not only feel frustrating, exhausting, and deflating, but it often involves deep-rooted biological, psychological, and environmental factors that go beyond willpower alone. Overcoming this pattern requires more than “trying harder”. It calls for a comprehensive, tailored approach that addresses both the underlying causes and the day-to-day triggers that lead back to substance use.
In this blog, we’ll break down what chronic relapse means, why it happens, how to spot it, and what effective treatments exist. We’ll also explore prevention strategies and provide practical tips for people in recovery, their families, and anyone seeking to understand this complex challenge.
What is Chronic Relapse?
As we touched on in the introduction, chronic relapse occurs when someone repeatedly relapses after periods of sobriety, even when the person is actively committed to their recovery. Unlike an occasional slip, chronic relapse involves a recurring cycle of progress followed by repeated returns to substance use. While a one-time, or even the occasional relapse, is often viewed as part of the overall recovery process, chronic relapse is a much more serious issue that can derail a person’s sobriety journey if not recognized and addressed properly.
The one-time of occasional relapse can happen for any number of reasons. Often, though, the person may “slip up”, forgetting their coping mechanisms, and when facing an unexpected trigger or high-stress situation, revert to using. When this happens, they will likely quickly re-engage with treatment and get back on track.
With chronic relapse, though, the experience tends to follow the traditional cycle of addiction, where progress is repeatedly undermined by a return to old habits.
In chronic relapse, the “cycle” might look like this:
- Sobriety Phase – The person is abstinent and actively working on recovery.
- Trigger Phase – They encounter a stressor, emotional difficulty, or cue linked to past use.
- Craving Phase – Intense urges to use substances emerge.
- Use Phase – They return to substance use, often with feelings of shame or guilt afterward.
- Restart Phase – The process begins again, often without significant changes in treatment or coping strategies.
Chronic relapse means a person consistently struggles to maintain long-term sobriety despite multiple treatment attempts. It’s not about a lack of effort or desire to recover. It reflects the ongoing influence of addiction’s physical, psychological, and environmental components.
Causes and Risk Factors of Chronic Relapse
Much like the concept of addiction, chronic relapse doesn’t happen in a vacuum or for “no reason”. It is usually the result of complex, underlying risk factors that can make it harder for the person to sustain recovery, despite even their best efforts.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest causes and risk factors when it comes to chronic relapse:
Since addiction is often the result of underlying psychological issues, it’s no surprise that these same issues can play an active role in chronic relapse as well. These can include:
- Unresolved trauma or emotional pain
- Low self-esteem or self-worth challenges
- Poor coping mechanisms for handling stress or conflict
- Negative thought patterns, such as hopelessness or self-sabotage
Biology can play a powerful role in shaping a person’s susceptibility to addiction. Factors such as genetic predisposition to addiction, changes in brain chemistry caused by long-term substance use, and co-occurring medical conditions that affect mood, impulse control, or reward pathways can all play an active role in chronic relapse.
The environment a person lives in can strongly influence their chances of developing or maintaining an addiction. This can include:
- Unstable living situations
- Peer influence or toxic relationships
- Lack of access to supportive resources
- High-stress environments, such as demanding jobs or unsafe neighborhoods
One of the biggest reasons why dual diagnosis treatment is so crucial for those suffering from both addiction and a mental health condition is that both conditions are treated at the same time. When left untreated or not treated at the same time, it leaves the person susceptible to chronic relapse.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Relapse
Being able to properly spot chronic relapse early can help prevent further harm and guide a person back into effective treatment.
Many of the signs and symptoms of chronic relapse match the signs and symptoms of addiction, such as:
- Lying or hiding activities from loved ones
- Irritability, defensiveness, or mood swings
- Loss of interest in healthy activities or hobbies
- Poor self-care or hygiene
- Noticeable changes in weight or appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Decline in work or school performance
- Sudden withdrawal from support groups or therapy
How can you tell if someone is experiencing chronic relapse?
If a person repeatedly cycles between sobriety and use despite treatment attempts, and if this pattern disrupts their health, relationships, and responsibilities, they may be experiencing chronic relapse.
The Impact of Chronic Relapse on Individuals and Families
Just like with addiction, chronic relapse doesn’t just affect the person suffering; it affects those closest to the person as well, such as friends, loved ones, co-workers, members of the community, and family members.
While for the person suffering, chronic relapse comes with feelings of frustration and shame, it can also lead to feelings of confusion and emotional fatigue for the family members, especially those who may have played an active role in or been an active participant in treatment.
If the family members aren’t familiar with the concept of chronic relapse or understand how relapse in general works, they may feel betrayed or like they can’t trust their family member. If these same feelings arose during the initial stages of addiction, these feelings returning to the surface can, unfortunately, be the “final nail in the coffin” when it comes to the relationship.
This is one of the many reasons why, particularly for those who have a family member or family members in recovery, knowing and understanding how relapse works is so important.
FAQ: How does chronic relapse affect families?
It can lead to strained communication, mistrust, financial strain, and emotional fatigue. Family members may feel powerless or unsure how to help without enabling.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Chronic Relapse
A relapse of any kind should be addressed with professional support and intervention. When it comes to chronic relapse specifically, this often requires specialized, intensive treatment, including but not limited to:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) targets the thought patterns and behaviors that lead to relapse. Individuals are re-reminded and even learn new ways to recognize triggers, challenge harmful beliefs, and replace them with healthier coping strategies.
Medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone help stabilize brain chemistry, control cravings, and support long-term recovery, especially when combined with counseling.
Addressing both the relapse and the mental health condition that may be playing an active role in it is crucial not just for reducing the risk of continued relapse moving forward but also to improve overall quality of life.
Depending on the severity and frequency of the relapses, a return to extended residential care or a structured outpatient program may be required to continue to provide therapy and support.
Preventing Chronic Relapse: Tips and Strategies
While relapse is never 100% preventable, there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of relapse, such as:
- Build a strong support network – Regular engagement with recovery groups, mentors, and sober friends can reinforce accountability
- Develop coping skills and a relapse prevention plan – Working with a therapist to identify triggers and create action plans for high-risk situations can prevent relapse
- Commit to aftercare and ongoing therapy – Long-term recovery often requires regular therapy sessions, group meetings, and periodic check-ins with treatment professionals.
Chronic Relapse FAQs
What is the difference between a slip and a relapse?
A slip is a brief return to substance use, often followed by an immediate recommitment to sobriety. A relapse is a more prolonged return to old patterns of use.
Can chronic relapse be cured?
While there’s no definitive “cure” for addiction, chronic relapse can be effectively managed with the right combination of treatments and support.
How long does it take to recover from chronic relapse?
Recovery time varies. Some may re-stabilize in weeks, while others may need months or years of structured support.
Is chronic relapse common in recovery?
While not as common as the occasional relapse, relapses of all kinds are often part of the overall recovery process.
How to Get Help with Chronic Relapse: Contacting Origins Texas
If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic relapse, professional help can make all the difference. At Origins Texas, we offer evidence-based, individualized treatment programs designed to break the cycle of both addiction and relapse.
For more information about our comprehensive programs or to get started on your recovery journey, contact us today.
