Relapse vs. Setback | A Guide | Mountain Vista Recovery

In the context of sobriety, both “relapse” and “setback” refer to moments when a person may experience difficulty or temporary return to old behaviors, but they have different meanings and implications:

1. Relapse:

• Definition: A relapse is typically defined as a return to substance use or addictive behaviors after a period of sobriety. It means that someone has gone back to using drugs or alcohol after having committed to not doing so, often breaking a period of abstinence.
• Severity: Relapse is considered a more serious and complete “failure” in the recovery process. It often involves not just a single moment of temptation but a full return to old habits or patterns, which can be dangerous to a person’s health and recovery journey.
• Emotional Impact: A relapse can trigger feelings of shame, guilt, and frustration, and may cause someone to doubt their ability to stay sober. It can also lead to a sense of loss of progress and a significant emotional setback.
• Recovery Implication: A relapse typically requires a reevaluation of one’s recovery plan, which could involve seeking additional therapy, counseling, or support groups. It is often a signal that a deeper level of support or intervention may be necessary to continue on the path to sobriety.

2. Setback:

• Definition: A setback refers to a temporary difficulty or challenge in the recovery process that doesn’t necessarily involve returning to substance use. It might involve emotional struggles, stress, or lapses in coping strategies, but it doesn’t mean that the person has fully relapsed.
• Severity: A setback is generally less severe than a relapse. It’s more of a hiccup or a moment of struggle rather than a full return to addiction. It could be something like feeling a strong craving or encountering a difficult situation that tests one’s sobriety.
• Emotional Impact: Setbacks are often viewed as a natural part of the recovery journey. While they can be discouraging, they don’t carry the same level of shame or guilt as a relapse. They can be seen as opportunities to learn and build resilience.
• Recovery Implication: Setbacks might require some self-reflection or minor adjustments to one’s recovery plan. The person may need to reinforce their coping strategies, attend more support meetings, or re-engage with therapy, but a setback does not usually necessitate starting from scratch.

Key Differences:

• Full return to use (relapse) vs. temporary struggle (setback): A relapse is when someone actually starts using substances again, while a setback is more about a challenge or difficulty in staying sober but not fully returning to addictive behaviors.
• Severity of consequences: A relapse often requires more significant intervention, such as revisiting treatment or increasing support, whereas a setback is something that can usually be overcome without a drastic shift in the recovery plan.
• Psychological impact: A relapse may involve more intense feelings of guilt or shame, while a setback is more likely to be seen as a challenge to be overcome.

Coping with Both Relapse & Setback:

• Relapse: If relapse occurs, it’s important not to be overly self-critical or defeatist. Recovery is a journey with ups and downs. A relapse can be a valuable opportunity to reflect on what went wrong and adjust the approach to recovery. Reaching out to a support network or professional can help get back on track.
• Setback: For a setback, it’s important to acknowledge it without overreacting. Setbacks are often a normal part of any difficult journey. Seeking support and being gentle with oneself can help maintain momentum without losing focus on long-term goals.

In short, while both relapse and setback can be difficult to navigate, a relapse is generally a more significant return to old behaviors, whereas a setback is a temporary challenge that doesn’t necessarily derail recovery. Both require reflection, but a relapse often requires more immediate and structured intervention. For answers to your quetions about relapse or setback, contact Mountain Vista Recovery today.