9.1 Relapse prevention: What is relapse?

A Family Guide to Concurrent Disorders - Part III: Treatment

Outline - Chapter 9: Relapse Prevention

• What is relapse?
• Relapse prevention for substance use problems
• Relapse prevention for mental health problems

What is relapse?

A relapse occurs when a person in recovery re-experiences problems or symptoms associated with his or her disorders. With substance use disorders, a relapse means a return to problem substance use after a period of abstinence or controlled use. With mental health disorders, a relapse is a flare-up of symptoms that are associated with the disorder. A relapse of one disorder can sometimes trigger relapse of the other.

There are many contributing factors and warning signs that indicate that a person may be in danger of returning to substance use or redeveloping symptoms related to mental health problems.

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