Why Do Opioid Addicts Relapse br Opioid addicts are highly prone to relapse because they feel sick and very unwell from the withdrawal symptoms. As a result, they want to get rid of these symptoms and feel better by taking more and more of the drugs. Instead of judging and getting angry with these people, they need compassion and understanding because opioid addiction is a disease and relapse is bound to happen in every recovery process.