There are mistaken beliefs about relapse, these beliefs can increase the risk that relapse will occur. Changing some of those beliefs can assist in preventing relapse. Most people think of using addictive chemicals when they think of 'relapse'. Certainly return to addictive use represents relapse. But because of research in recent years, more and more people are coming to recognise that the process of relapse begins before addictive use starts.
People can become dysfunctional in sobriety without drinking or using.
They can lose control of judgement and behaviour. They can develop emotional problems or physical problems. They may become dysfunctional in sobriety before they begin addictive use or instead of addictive use. The relapse process is the movement away from recovery. This does not mean that if you have hit a rough spot in recovery or you are experiencing some pain and struggle in recovery that you are relapsing.