n.noun
A relapse is when an individual chooses to act on negative behavior that they have previously determined to quit engaging in due to self-destructive consequences that action had on their life. An example of a personal relapse would be if an individual who overcame drug addiction chose to engage in drug abuse even though they have personally overcome that harmful activity.
Unfortunately, relapsing is always a possibility for those who have recovered from a self-sabotaging behavior, regardless of personal integrity, strength or intentions. The more an individual who is in recovery is aware of this fact, the more likely they will be able to stray away from the past’s, self-destructive behavioral patterns. However, if a person who has recovered from a substance or other harmful addiction, simply acts as though they are impervious to ever relapsing, they are more likely to do so in the future.
