You’re not the only one wondering how many more times it’s going to take before things finally click, before you get to experience the redemption people talk about in recovery. But relapsing always takes a toll, especially when you’re doing the work and still hitting setbacks. It’s not you—it’s substance use disorder (SUD).
SUD doesn’t follow a straight line, and that can be demoralizing when all you want is steady, substance-free progress. To get a solid idea of how many setbacks you’re going to face, we have to look at several factors:
- What substances you’ve used
- How long those substances have been part of your life
- When you started using
- The kind of support you have now
At St. Joseph Institute in Port Matilda, you’ll find people who understand how complex relapse can be. Let’s walk through what relapse actually means, why it happens, and which substances may take more time and support to move past, so you can feel a little more grounded and a little less alone.
What Is Relapse and Why Does It Happen?
Relapse is a stigmatized word that simply means returning to a substance you were trying to stop using. That could look like a one-time slip or a full-fledged return to old use patterns. Either way, it doesn’t erase the effort you’ve already put in, and it doesn’t define you.
So why do we return to using, even when we want something different?
Cleveland Clinic explains that a lot of it comes down to unexpected triggers. These include:
- Spaces, people, and places. You might run into someone from your past or visit a place tied to those old habits, and suddenly those memories feel very close again. Even if you’ve grown, your brain can still connect those environments with using, and cravings can result.
- Health changes. A new diagnosis, physical pain, or even emotional strain tied to your health can bring up the urge to cope the way you used to.
- Difficult or important dates and events. Holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries can stir up uncomfortable emotions and anxiety. Even positive events might feel unfamiliar without substances if they were once part of celebrations.
- Transitions that feel larger than life. In recovery, it can feel surreal and destabilizing to start a new job, end a relationship, or lose someone you love. That stress can lay down a welcome mat for old coping patterns.
- Sticky emotions. Stress, anger, guilt, or even excitement can all act as top triggers for cravings. If substances once helped you manage those feelings, your mind may still reach for that shortcut.
Relapse isn’t random. It often connects to something meaningful happening in your life, which means you can learn to spot patterns and respond differently over time.
Which Substances Have The Highest Relapse Rates?
If you’re thinking that certain substances are just harder to move on from than others, you wouldn’t be far off. Research suggests this may be true, but it also reveals something important and reassuring. Most people need multiple attempts before they reach long-term, substance-free living in general.
Relapse is simply part of the process.
A 2025 study from the Official Journal of The College on Problems of Drug Dependence looked at how many times people tried to quit different substances before they found lasting change. The number of attempts did vary based on the substance, but also how long someone had used it, and how intense their SUD had been.
Here’s how the study found relapse plays out in real life:
- You could need several attempts before things stick. Many people don’t stop using on the first try. You might take breaks, return to use, and try again, sometimes more than once. Each attempt can still teach you something about what works and what doesn’t.
- Opioids and pain medication can take more time and support. Opioids like fentanyl, heroin, or prescription pain meds often involve stronger cravings or physical withdrawal.
- Hallucinogens may be easier for some people to step away from. Compared to other substances, hallucinogenic substances may require fewer relapses. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to quit them, but it can look different from substances that create more intense physical dependence.
- Your personal history plays a big role. If you’ve been using for many years or started at a younger age, your brain and routines may feel more deeply connected to that substance.
When you step back and look at this, a pattern might become clearer. It’s not just about the substance itself. It’s about how it fits into your life, your history, and your support system.
Recovery isn’t a test you can pass or fail. It’s built with detours over time. If you’ve tried staying substance-free before and it didn’t last, it only means you have a treatable disorder. You can find the right combination of timing, tools, and support one step at a time with St. Joseph in Pennsylvania.
Find Recovery Support in Port Matilda, PA
Now that you know what relapse is and why it’s often a mandatory part of recovery, shifting your idea of it from failure to reality can help you get back to outpatient services or therapy sessions that help prevent relapse. Contact our care teams in Wexford or Port Matilda to find support.
