Denver's women-only program for mental health, trauma and substance use.Call Admissions 833.754.0554
Call 833.754.0554Verify Insurance

Why women are likely to relapse

For a next step, call 833.754.0554 and talk through what is concerning you.

If this is close to what you’ve been living with, start with one conversation. You don’t have to be in crisis, and you don’t have to know what to call it. That’s our job.

Created by Tim Francis, SUD and Mental Health Content Specialist

Updated

A relapse does not erase your progress or remove your choices.

Plum chairs, table and flower painting

Original article

Return to use can reflect several interacting pressures rather than one personal failure. Understanding relapse prevention for women and the road to relapse for women can help you recognize risk with less blame and more clarity.

The rates of addiction relapse can vary based on the substance the person was using and various factors in their life. Relapse is a common part of many people’s recovery journey, though you should try to avoid this from coming true in your life. Fortunately, the rates of relapse in women are significantly lower in women than they are in men. However, this begs the question, why do women relapse when they do? We have the answers. 

If you’re looking for answers about relapse in CO, our treatment experts can help. Contact Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554 to learn more. 

Seating area with a sofa, round table, plants and artwork at Women’s Recovery

Relapse in Women

Women tend to be less likely to relapse for a couple of reasons. One reason behind this fact is that they tend to be more open during treatment. They may be able to be more engaged and more willing to talk about the challenges they’re facing with their therapists and therapy groups. These actions can make their treatment more impactful. 

In addition, women tend to create lasting friendships in treatment. These friendships give them a support network to rely on when they face triggers and other factors that can hamper their recovery. 

Unfortunately, women do relapse after attending a substance abuse treatment program. However, their reasons for relapsing can be different than those of men. 

Two upholstered chairs and a bookshelf in a Women’s Recovery office

Unhealthy Relationships

When you’re in recovery, you will learn who you spend time with can significantly impact your recovery. If you spend a significant amount of time around people who drink or use drugs, you’re more likely to return to substance abuse. Conversely, if you spend a significant amount of time around your sober support network, you’re less likely to relapse. As such, one of the reasons why women relapse is that they’re in a relationship with a person who is using drugs or alcohol. These people may not understand why you want to stay sober or support your recovery. 

Dark sofa and coffee table in a furnished room

Untreated Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions are one of the most common reasons for relapse in women. Millions of women across the country are battling mental health conditions and would benefit from a mental health treatment program. At Women’s Recovery, we offer:

Unfortunately, many of the women who are battling these cripplings do not get the help they need. Instead, they turn to substances, such as drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. When this self-medication turns to addiction, they may only get treatment for the addiction. However, this leaves the mental health symptoms free to come back uninhibited. Without the tools to manage these symptoms, many individuals fall back into substance abuse to help them cope. 

Dark sofa with patterned pillows and a glass table

Life Stress

Every person experiences stress from time to time. However, women’s stress is unique, as it tends to surround their family members. Without support, the responsibilities of your family can leave you feeling overwhelmed. 

Furthermore, you may have experienced a traumatic event, such as an assault or an accident during your substance use. If you did not seek trauma-informed care when this event occurred, these events can leave you unstable and struggling to keep your head above water. 

In both cases, if you don’t know how to manage stress in a healthy and productive way, you may find yourself turning back to drugs and alcohol. However, with the right care and social support, you can effectively battle your relapse triggers. 

Plum armchairs beside a window table

Contact Women’s Recovery To Prevent Relapse in CO

If you think you’re in danger of relapse, you can get the help and support you need to avoid it. At our Women’s Recovery center, we understand why women relapse and know how to prevent it. Contact Women’s Recovery in Colorado today at 833.754.0554 to learn more about how to strengthen your recovery and reduce your chances of relapses. 

Common questions

Explore for the people who love her and contact us for related guidance. Call admissions when you want to discuss your own situation.

Call Admissions
01 Is relapse inevitable during recovery?

Relapse can happen during recovery, but it is not inevitable. Risk changes with stress, mental health, exposure to familiar cues, available support, and whether care continues as needs change. Relapse prevention can help you recognize changes earlier and respond before returning to substance use.

02 How can I support a woman after a relapse?

Offer calm, nonjudgmental support and focus first on her immediate well-being. Listen to what she wants, encourage connection with appropriate care, and avoid treating the setback as proof that recovery has failed. Consistent support can reduce isolation while preserving her ability to make decisions about next steps.

03 What warning signs may appear before substance use resumes?

Warning signs vary, but changes in emotions, thinking, routines, relationships, or connection to recovery support may deserve attention. A single change does not prove relapse is coming. The purpose of noticing patterns is to respond with care and support, not to monitor, accuse, or shame someone.

04 Does needing treatment again mean the first attempt failed?

Recovery may require long-term support or more than one period of treatment. That does not mean care was pointless. Substance use disorders can involve recurring challenges, and treatment can help reduce use, prevent future relapse, address harmful consequences, and support functioning within work, family, and community life.

05 How can I start a conversation about support in Denver?

You can begin with a private, conversation about what has changed and what kind of support feels manageable. Call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 or visit 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 650, Denver, CO 80210 to discuss your concerns and possible next steps.

Evidence behind this page

Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

If you can't believe that yet, borrow my hope. Just long enough to find your own.

Women’s Recovery graduate

Start with one conversation. Tell us what you're carrying. We'll walk you through the next step and verify your benefits.