The return by a person in recovery to the self prescribed, non-medical use of any mind- altering substance and risk of the consequent problems associated with its use
To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to fall back from some condition attained; generally in a bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended condition; as, to relapse into a stupor, into vice, or into barbarism; sometimes in a good sense; as, to relapse into slumber after being disturbed
If a sick person relapses, their health suddenly gets worse after it had been improving. In 90 per cent of cases the patient will relapse within six months. Relapse is also a noun. The treatment is usually given to women with a high risk of relapse after surgery. when someone becomes ill again after having seemed to improve