What is Mental Relapse?

Mental Relapse is the second stage in the relapse process, where you experience an internal struggle between the desire to use substances and your commitment to remain sober. In South Carolina, where 7.1% of the population engages in heavy alcohol use and 15.4% binge drinks, the risk of relapse represents a significant concern. 

During this challenging phase, you experience intense cravings and fantasize about using drugs or alcohol. You focus on the pleasurable memories of past use and dismiss the negative consequences.

Techniques to prevent mental relapse include talking to a trusted peer, going for walks during cravings, practicing relaxation techniques, journaling, attending recovery meetings, and creating a relapse prevention plan.

What Are The Signs of a Mental Relapse?

The signs of mental relapse include:

• Cravings or urges to use drugs and alcohol
• Thinking about the people, places, or things associated with your past substance abuse
• Hanging out with old friends you used to do drugs with
• Going to the old places where you used to abuse drugs or alcohol
• Minimizing the severity of your past substance abuse
• Glamorizing or romanticizing substance abuse without remembering the consequences
• Thinking of scenarios in which it would be acceptable to abuse substances, such as after the death of a loved one or a car accident that requires pain medication
• Thinking that you abuse a certain substance because you are not technically addicted to it.
• Imagining ways to control your substance abuse
• Looking for opportunities to abuse substances
• Fantasizing about or planning the use of drugs and alcohol

Transitioning from a mental relapse to a physical relapse occurs easily. Equip yourself with techniques and skills that prevent mental relapses from escalating.

How Do I Prevent a Mental Relapse From Getting Worse?

To prevent a mental relapse from getting worse, you need to immediately activate your recovery maintenance strategies. Recognizing you’re in the mental stage is the first step toward stopping it from escalating further.

When you’re experiencing mental relapse, preventing relapse requires decisive action before it progresses to physical relapse.

Here are effective techniques to prevent your mental relapse from worsening:

• Talk to a trusted peer, like your recovery sponsor or a sober friend
• Imagine the consequences of substance abuse, like losing your friends or going back to jail
• Go on a walk when you feel the urge to abuse substances, as most cravings only last 30 minutes
• Take it one day, one hour, or one minute at a time
• Use relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga
• Call your therapist
• Journal your feelings
• Write down the things that trigger you to develop an avoidance plan.
• Go to a recovery meeting
• Engage in a sober-friendly activity that you find fun, like painting, playing sports with friends, or going on a hike
• Create a relapse prevention plan that outlines exactly what you will do if you start showing signs of emotional or mental relapse

How Can A relapse Prevention Plan Help Prevent Mental Relapse?

A relapse prevention plan prevents mental relapse through the identification of your triggers and the establishment of coping strategies that address your emotional issues early. Regular practice of recovery techniques breaks the progression from emotional distress to thoughts about using. A comprehensive relapse prevention plan includes recognizing your warning signs and taking immediate action steps that stop substance use thoughts before they take root in your mind.

What To Do After You Relapse?

After a relapse, immediately reach out to your support system, be honest about what happened, and avoid feelings of shame or guilt, as these trigger further substance use. Remember that relapse is common in recovery, and seeking professional help after you relapse provides the tools you need to get back on track and prevent future relapses.

How To Find Help for An Addiction Relapse in South Carolina?

To find help for an addiction relapse in South Carolina, start by calling one of the state’s free, confidential addiction hotlines available 24/7. Key numbers include the South Carolina Addiction Hotline at 844-575-6602, the Department of Mental Health Crisis Line at 833-364-2274, and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services helpline at 803-896-5555. 

These hotlines connect callers to clinicians and recovery specialists who provide guidance, support, and referrals to local treatment programs, inpatient and outpatient rehab centers, and peer support groups throughout South Carolina. Additionally, national resources like the National Rehab Hotline (866-210-1303) and SAMHSA’s Helpline (1-800-622-HELP) offer further assistance. Calling these lines offers immediate help and a pathway to personalized treatment options tailored to individual needs.