What is the Difference Between a Lapse vs. Relapse in Addiction Recovery?

While working to establish recovery and abstinence from addictive behaviours, many will experience setbacks or a return to the use of substances or behaviours they are working to discontinue in addiction recovery. These setbacks are referred to as “lapses" and "relapses”. Although these terms appear to represent similar experiences, they differ based on the severity of the setback, the duration and the implications for recovery planning.

Defining Lapse and Relapse

• Lapse:

A lapse, also known as a "slip," is generally considered a brief, one-time return to substance use or an addictive behavior after a period of abstinence. 

A lapse is often an isolated incident where an individual uses a substance or engages in an addictive behaviour, but then learns from the experience and recommits themselves to making change rather than continuing with the behaviour. 

Lapses are often seen as momentary setbacks rather than a full regression into addiction. Lapses are a common part of the learning process, and if handled appropriately, can offer an opportunity to identify triggers or antecedents, refine coping strategies and bolster recovery-related supports.  

• Relapse:
  A relapse is a more extended and significant return to addictive behaviour or substance use. It represents a full departure from one’s recovery plan and a re-establishment of old patterns. 

In contrast to a lapse, a relapse means the person has resumed the addictive behaviour before having committed themselves to recovery rather than representing a single incident or event. During a relapse, a person often loses motivation to make changes and actively re-engages in the cycle of addiction. 

Relapses are often marked by black and white thinking like, “what is the point, I can’t stay sober” a return to active denial, “I can control my [drinking, drug use or addictive behaviour]… I am not that bad”  or rationalizing, “you would do the same if you had my life… everyone has their own vices…”.

Why the Difference Matters

Understanding the distinction between a lapse and a relapse is important because it can influence how setbacks are handled in recovery. Viewing every slip as a complete failure can lead to excessive guilt and shame which can increase the risk of a full relapse. This effect has been termed the abstinence violation effect, which is a phenomenon we have written about in a previous blog post, and the effect can negatively impact those in recovery when they slip up. 

Conversely, understanding that a lapse can be a learning experience that allows individuals to move forward with less shame while offering the opportunity to adopt a growth mindset towards recovery. A growth mindset offers the view that we make mistakes when we are learning new skills or making changes rather than ability being the result of innate qualities or fixed traits. 

An example of a growth mindset towards a lapse is, “I was able to get 30 days and made a mistake, I just need to do some fine tuning. I just got to work harder. I can do this” versus a fixed mindset being, “I am back to square one again. I can’t do this. I Give up, what is the point…”.

Factors Contributing to a Lapse or Relapse

• Triggers and High-Risk Situations:
  Both lapses and relapses are often triggered by environmental, emotional, or social factors. For instance, high-stress situations, social gatherings where substances are present, or unresolved emotional struggles can trigger a return to addictive behaviors. Learning to recognize and manage these triggers is an important part of building a meaningful and sustained recovery. 

• Coping Skills:
  Coping skills are key to handling high-risk situations without turning back to substances or behaviors. A lapse may indicate that a particular coping strategy is insufficient and needs to be fine tuned. A relapse can suggest a more intensive evaluation of support and that the individual may benefit from further treatment or more intensive services. 

• Support Systems:
  The presence of a supportive network—whether it is friends, family, peers with lived experience or professionals—can make a significant difference in the response to a lapse or relapse. Encouragement and understanding from others can help reduce feelings of isolation, shame and guilt, making it easier to continue with recovery. Helping individuals with addiction label lapses can help them challenge unhelpful all or nothing thinking when they make a mistake, and can assist them in viewing these experiences as steps that can lead to meaningful change.

How to Respond to a Lapse vs. Relapse

• After a Lapse:
  Treat a lapse as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Reflect on what led to the lapse and identify what can be adjusted. Self-compassion is essential; viewing these moments as a chance to identify areas to make change and adapt. Seeking guidance from a counselor, therapist, psychologist or support groups can be helpful in processing the experience constructively so that you don’t get caught in unhelpful thinking patterns which may lead to a full relapse. 

• After a Relapse:
  A relapse often requires a more comprehensive response, as it can signal a need for more intensive support or possibly revisiting inpatient treatment if the person has already attended such a program. It is essential to challenge overly harsh self-judgment as this can serve to sustain the addiction. Instead it is important to try and focus on using the experience to recommit to recovery and re-engage with supports. 

  Many who experience a relapse can benefit from a structured plan involving professional help, such as therapy, addiction treatment programs or support groups. Relapses, while difficult, are not uncommon and for many in recovery and these challenging experiences can become stepping stones to making change.

Adopting a ‘Growth Mindset’ in Recovery

Both lapses and relapses present opportunities to learn more about oneself, identify vulnerabilities, and refine the skills that support recovery. Reframing these events as part of a longer journey rather than a series of successes and failures can reduce feelings of shame and guilt, allowing individuals to view themselves with greater kindness and patience, recognizing that setbacks are often part of making change and learning a new way of living. 

Understanding the difference between a lapse and a relapse provides a valuable framework for navigating setbacks. Lapses may be brief and can serve as opportunities to gain further insight and adapt or refine approaches, skills and supports; while relapses may require a more intensive response including a re-evaluation of treatment.

Reach out for help today to find out more about how Prairieview Psychology can help support you and your loved one on the journey to sustained recovery from addiction.