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Substance Use Disorder

What Are the Stages of Substance Use Relapse?

Seek out help when you recognize the signs of the early phases of relapse.

Lauren Smith, MAAlexandra Schwarz, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on March 29, 2024
Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD | March 29, 2024

In general, recovery from substance use disorder may come with ups and downs. Relapses aren’t inevitable, but they are common. Being able to recognize the signs of early stages of relapse may help you reach out for help sooner.

References

Melemis, S. M. (2015). Relapse prevention and the five rules of recovery. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine.

Miller, W. R., et al. (2015). A simple scale of Gorski’s warning signs for relapse. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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