I read something today that I found very interesting and helpful. Thought Id share as it might help someone else become aware of when a possible relapse is about to happen:
Most people completely misunderstand what relapse actually is.
Everyone thinks relapse is when someone picks up a drink or a drug.
But they’re wrong.
Here’s why:
Relapse starts weeks or months before someone uses
It begins with poor self-care - not sleeping, not eating, isolating
The physical use is just the final stage of a process that’s been building
The truth is, relapse is a gradual process with three distinct stages: emotional, mental, then physical.
Emotional relapse: You’re not thinking about using, but you’re not taking care of yourself. You’re angry, isolating, not going to meetings, lying about how you feel.
Mental relapse: Now you’re thinking about using. Romanticizing the “good times.” Bargaining - maybe just once, maybe just on weekends.
Physical relapse: You pick up the substance.
If you’re struggling with “cravings” or thinking about using, you’re already in stage two.
That’s not where intervention happens.
The real work happens in stage one.
Try this right now:
Ask yourself these four questions daily - I call it the HALT Check:
Am I Hungry?
Am I Angry?
Am I Lonely?
Am I Tired?
If you answer YES to any of these, stop what you’re doing and address it immediately.
Eat something. Call someone. Get some sleep.
These aren’t small things - they’re the foundation of your recovery.
If you’re already in mental relapse (thinking about using):
Don’t wait. Message or call someone that can help today.
Recovery isn’t about white-knuckling through cravings.
It’s about building a life where cravings don’t show up in the first place.
What stage are you in right now? Be honest.
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