Many people contend that relapse is a forgone conclusion – this is NOT true! First, a person needs to be aware of their relapse triggers. These triggers can be categorized in a few groups: environmental, mental, and emotional. One of the easiest ways to start addressing possible relapse triggers is becoming aware of HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). This acronym describes the feelings a person gets when they are in high-risk situations.

Relapse occurs when a drug addict or alcoholic abstains from using or drinking for a period. Then, as if by surprise, this person finds themselves drinking or drugging again. This is how most people understand what relapsing is. However, it is important to understand that relapse begins before a person “picks up” (uses drugs or alcohol again).  People can become dysfunctional within recovery, lose control of behavior, and can develop emotional problems before they pick up.