In the context of addiction, what is meant by the term 'relapse'?

The term 'relapse' in the context of addiction specifically refers to a return to prior patterns of substance use after an individual has experienced a period of sobriety. This definition emphasizes the process of falling back into old habits and substance use behaviors that were previously overcome, reflecting the cyclical nature of addiction and recovery.

Relapse can occur after varying stretches of sobriety, and it often indicates the challenges faced by individuals in maintaining their recovery. Understanding relapse as a return to use after an abstinent period highlights the importance of continuous support and strategies to prevent recurrence, reinforcing the idea that recovery is not a linear process but one that may involve setbacks and challenges.

The other options depict concepts that are related but do not capture the essence of relapse in the addiction context as accurately. A brief lapse in judgment refers to momentary poor decisions without necessarily leading to full substance use, a decrease in desire to use substances indicates progress in recovery, and temporary avoidance of triggers suggests proactive coping strategies rather than the experience of returning to substance use itself.