You learn in treatment that relapse begins long before you take your first drug or drug. What that means is that picking up is the final stage of relapse. This means that it is important to identify behaviors and thoughts that indicate potential relapse so that you can get extra help in your recovery to prevent this final and deadly stage of relapse.  Take the time to review the process and symptoms of relapse to insure that you are healthy in your recovery.

The Relapse Process

Relapse, like recovery is a process. The actual act of returning to substance use is preceded by changes in behavior, attitude, feelings, and thinking.

Symptoms of the Relapse Process

Fatigue, dishonesty, impatience, depression, cockiness, frustration, argumentativeness, self-pity, complacency, expecting too much from others, wanting too much, letting up on recovery principles, having all of the answers, an “It can’t happen to me” attitude.

·         Return of Denial
·         Avoidance & Defensive Behaviors
·         Crisis Building
·         Immobilization
·         Confusion & Overreaction
·         Depression
·         Behavioral Loss of Control
·         Recognition of Loss of Control
·         Option Reduction
·         The Acute Relapse 

                                                                          Factors Contributing to Relapse

Failure to Understand & Accept Drug Use as a Disease

Feeling they can stay clean by willpower alone

Denial  or Loss of Control

Do same old things and expect different results

Dishonesty

Distort Reality and Conceal Emotions

The Dysfunctional Family

Contributes to Relapse

Lack of a Spiritual Program

 They are the only Strength

Stress

Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired

Isolation

Leads to feeling hopeless different, worthless

Cross-Addiction

To any psychoactive substance

Holiday Syndrome

Need to celebrate or the memories of the past surface

Post Acute Abstinence

A few weeks to months

Overconfidence

Discard humility & God’s power

Return to Environment of Use and Old Habits

Need to avoid old faces & old places is wisdom

Guilt Over the Past

Make amends, forgive & accept forgiveness

  Preventing Relapse

Familiarity with the Relapse Process

Regular Support Group Attendance & Participation

Effective Use of A Sponsor

Work the program every day, one day at a time forever

What is Required to Effectively Control Your Life?
Identify negative feelings so that you can deal directly with the problems that cause them.
Reflect on the problem to preclude negative reaction, think through constructive purposeful response.
Cool-out … to relieve tension and relax, don’t make more problems.
Deal effectively with others to respond appropriately to the needs of other people
Earn a living, hold a job, accomplish goals
Feel at ease with yourself and your ability to handle your world

Necessary Life Skills