When I came into the field of substance abuse counseling, one name I quickly became familiar with was that of Terence T. Gorski. Mr. Gorski passed away July 2, 2020 leaving behind an unforgettable legacy. He will be missed in the recovery and counseling communities.
Terence T. Gorski offered the field of counseling valuable tools that will live on in his memory. He explained the relapse process that assist people in understanding relapse and brought a better understanding of what to expect in recovery.
The Relapse Process
Step One: Getting Stuck In Recovery
People get clean and sober because they have recognized their substance use has become a problem. Many people can remain clean and sober until they came across a problem they do not know how to handle. They become stuck in recovery and do not know what to do.
Step Two: Denying That We’re Stuck
Substance abusers struggle with denial. People may deny there is a problem instead of asking for help. Time and energy are used to continue the denial which causes pain and stress to
Step Three: Using Other Compulsions
People will utilize other compulsive behaviors to try and manage the pain and stress. This is where cross-addiction can form. This may distract from the problem briefly; however, it will return.
Step Four: Experiencing a Trigger Event
People attempting to remain clean and sober will have triggers. When pain and stress are present due to denial and not addressing the problem that is causing the pain and stress, a trigger event can feel catastrophic.
Step Five: Becoming Dysfunctional on the Inside
Once a person is triggered, stress increases and the mind is taken over by emotions. Intellect over emotion needs to be present for the person to remain sober. Three things need to be remembered by the person facing the trigger:
- They are an addicted person
- They cannot use substances
- They must continue to work a recovery program
Relapse begins internally. The trigger event causes pain which can lead to not thinking clearly, emotional overreactions or emotional numbness. It can also cause sleep disturbance and even coordination issues.
Step Six: Becoming Dysfunctional on the Outside
If a person continues to ignore the internal dysfunction, it will begin to turn into external dysfunction. It can cause problems in the workplace, with family, and in relationships. The person will neglect their recovery program and things will continue to get worse.
Step Seven: Losing Control
The person is not dealing with the underlying issues and is trying to pretend nothing is wrong. It soon feels as if there is one crisis after another. The person may become angry and may question sobriety.
Step Eight: Using Addictive Thinking
The person returns to the old way of thinking; feeling sorry for themselves, thinking others are against them, wanting to go around old friends, questioning recovery, and their addiction.
Step Nine: Going Back to Addictive People, Places, and Things
The person starts going around old friends that they used with, hanging out at old places where they used, and go back to addictive things. The person tries to convince themselves they can do this without using.
Step Ten: Using Addictive Substances
Things have become so bad the person feels they might collapse from the stress. They may contemplate suicide. Instead, the person begins using substances once again.
Step Eleven: Losing Control Over Use
The person may quickly recognize the severity of the negative consequences and their relapse will be short term. Others may continue using, have feelings of guilt and shame, and refuse to ask for help. Problems progress until the person dies or they go back into recovery.
Being aware of these stages can help a person recognize the warning signs of relapse sooner. If a person can recognize they are in the relapse process they can stop it.
How to Strengthen Recovery
- Attend more 12-step or other support meetings
- Contact a sponsor or mentor
- Participate in a spiritual or religious activity
- Exercise and eat healthy
- Do a fun activity with others that are in recovery
- Be honest about how you feel to someone who will not judge or criticize you
- Prayer and meditation
What are some things that have helped you in recovery?
Reference: Gorski, T. (2001). Understanding relapse. Gorski-Cenaps Publications.