Delta Recovery Relapse Prevention

Phase 1: Return of Denial – Inability to recognize and honestly communicate thoughts/feelings

• “These negative feelings will pass if I just stay busy and positive.”
• “I don’t want to dwell on worries – that’s not helpful for my recovery.”
• “These concerns are just temporary setbacks in an otherwise great recovery.”

Phase 2: Avoidance and Defensive Behavior – Avoiding anything that triggers uncomfortable emotions

• “I’m naturally resilient – relapse just isn’t going to happen to me.”
• “Other people make recovery too complicated when it should be about joy and freedom.”
• “I don’t need to focus on problems when my recovery is going so well.”

Phase 3: Crisis Building – Life problems accumulate due to denial and isolation

• “These problems are just temporary setbacks in an otherwise positive recovery.”
• “I need to find new, more exciting approaches to solving these issues.”
• “If I stay optimistic and keep moving, these problems will take care of themselves.”

Phase 4: Immobilization – Complete inability to initiate action, controlled by circumstances

• “I can’t deal with these heavy problems – I need something lighter and more hopeful.”
• “If only something exciting would happen, I could get motivated again.”
• “I’m trapped in negativity and need to find a way to feel optimistic again.”

Phase 5: Confusion and Overreaction – Impaired thinking and emotional volatility

• “Everyone is being so negative and heavy, and it’s bringing me down.”
• “I can’t think clearly when people keep focusing on problems instead of solutions.”
• “These depressing conversations are killing my natural optimism and energy.”

Phase 6: Depression – Severe mood disruption affecting normal functioning

• “All my options have disappeared and I’m trapped in this nightmare.”
• “The future looks completely bleak. Happiness isn’t possible.”
• “Recovery was supposed to be about freedom, but I’m more trapped than ever.”

Phase 7: Behavioral Loss of Control – Inability to maintain recovery behaviors

• “Recovery activities are boring and depressing – they’re bringing me down.”
• “I don’t care about structure when it’s limiting my freedom and spontaneity.”
• “Why should I focus on problems when I need to stay positive and optimistic?”

Phase 8: Recognition of Loss of Control – Denial breaks, awareness of powerlessness emerges

• “I’m trapped in this nightmare with no escape or hope.”
• “Maybe using would help me feel happy and free again.”
• “I’m lying about being optimistic when I’m actually desperate and hopeless.”

Phase 9: Option Reduction – Only three perceived options: insanity, suicide, or substance use

• “I’m desperate and angry that recovery has trapped me in this hell.”
• “The only options left are losing my mind, suicide, or using to escape.”
• “I can’t stand being around recovery people who keep focusing on problems.”

Phase 10: Acute Relapse Period – Complete functional breakdown

• “I can’t escape this depression and everything feels hopeless.”
• “I’m so emotionally exhausted that I have no energy for anything positive.”
• “Maybe using would help me feel happy and optimistic again.”

Phase 11: Return to Active Addiction – Actual resumption of substance use

• • “I’ll use just enough to feel  happy again.”
  • “If I can use recreationally sometimes, recovery will be more enjoyable and sustainable.”
  • “Occasional use will help me maintain the positive energy I need for recovery.”