Delta Recovery Relapse Prevention

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

• “So many others in recovery need help so I can’t worry about myself right now.”
• “I’m anxious because I’m being selfish by focusing on my own recovery.”
• “If I tell people I’m worried, they might think I’m needy instead of helpful.”

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

• “I’m focused on helping others recover – that’s more important than working on myself.”
• “Other people in recovery seem so needy and self-focused compared to me.”
• “I don’t need to talk about myself. There are others who need support more.”

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

• “Why are problems piling up on me when I have been so helpful enough to others.”
• “If I just give more to others, these problems will resolve themselves.”
• “Other people’s problems are much worse than these temporary setbacks in my life.”

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

• “I can’t focus on my problems when so many other people need me.”
• “Why doesn’t anyone care for me the way I take care of others?”
• “I’m too exhausted from helping everyone else to deal with my own issues.”

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

• “People are ungrateful and selfish, and it’s making me furious.”
• “I can’t think clearly because I’m so hurt that nobody recognizes what I’m doing for everyone else.”
• “Everyone takes advantage of my kindness and then abandons me when I need help.”

Phase 6: Depression – Severe mood disruption affecting normal functioning

• “No one really loves me .”
• “I give everything to others and get nothing back. I’m completely alone in this.”
• “Everything I’ve done is worthless because people still don’t care about me.”

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

• “I’m tired of giving to people who never appreciate it.”
• “I don’t care about meetings when no one there really understands my needs.”
• “Why should I help anyone when no one is there for me when I need support?”

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

• “No one loves the real me – they only loved what I did for them.”
• “Maybe using would help me feel connected to people again.”
• “I’m lying about being okay when I’m actually desperate for someone to save me.”

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

• “I’m furious that no one cares about me after everything I’ve done for them.”
• “The only options left are losing my mind, suicide, or numbing this pain.”
• “I’m done helping people who never appreciated me anyway.”

Phase 10: Acute Relapse Period – Complete functional breakdown

• “My emotions are a basket case and I’m pushing everyone away with my neediness.”
• “I’m too drained to help anyone and too isolated to get help myself.”
• “Maybe substances would help me feel connected and loved again.”

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

• • “I’ll use just a little to take the edge off. Everyone will better off in the long run if I’m not as worked up”
  • “If I use just a little bit, I’ll be more relaxed and giving in my relationships.”
  • “Using a little will help me be the caring person others need.”