after missing the entire 2001–02 campaign, carlisle returned to competitive football on 7 september 2002 in queens park rangers' 4–0 victory over mansfield town. he scored two goals in 41 matches in the 2002–03 season, helping the team to a fourth-placed finish and a spot in the second division play-offs. the club reached the 2003 second division play-off final, but were defeated 1–0 by cardiff city at the millennium stadium on 25 may 2003. during the following season, carlisle developed personal problems, including an alcohol addiction, although he continued to play for a number of months. in september 2003, as the team were travelling to colchester united for a league fixture, he was found drunk by manager ian holloway. he subsequently missed one month of the season after being admitted to sporting chance, a clinic run by former england international footballer tony adams, for 28 days for treatment for alcohol-related problems. he later had counselling for the problem before returning to action in october 2003. upon his return to the team, carlisle won the second division player of the month award for november 2003. he scored one goal in 39 matches in 2003–04 as queens park rangers finished as runners-up in the league, achieving promotion to the championship. carlisle's contract with queens park rangers ended at the conclusion of the 2003–04 campaign.