For most with drug and alcohol addiction, the road to recovery is not a straight path. The majority of people in recovery from addiction will have at least one relapse. A relapse can feel like a significant setback, but it can also be an opportunity to learn and get the treatment and support you need to recommit to sobriety.
This article will explore relapse warning signs.
What you will learn:
- What a relapse is
- The stages of relapse
- Ten signs of relapse to watch for
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the treatment you need to avoid relapse or get back on track in recovery at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our specialists to learn about our evidence-based treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Relapse?
A relapse is a term that refers to using addictive substances again after a period of sobriety. Someone may relapse for a wide range of reasons, including not having enough treatment, a lack of support, or overwhelming challenges.
Many people feel frustrated or discouraged after a relapse. People may believe that they are not ready to stay sober or do not have what it takes to commit to lifelong sobriety. However, a relapse may be an indication that someone needs more treatment or support.
In most cases, relapses don’t happen out of the blue. A relapse typically happens in stages.
The stages of relapse are:
- Emotional relapse
- Mental Relapse
- Physical relapse
These stages have unique warning signs. Understanding common warning signs during each stage of relapse can help prevent relapse before it occurs.
10 Signs of Relapse to Watch For
Recognizing common signs of relapse can help you identify these behaviors and seek addiction treatment. Here are ten relapse warning signs to watch for.
1. Isolating
During the earliest stage of a relapse, people may begin to spend less time with friends and family. They may avoid social situations and spend most of their time alone. They may notice new or worsening mental health symptoms, including anxiety or depression.
2. Neglecting responsibilities
In the early stages of relapse, it is common for people to fall behind in their responsibilities. They may stop going to work or school, neglect their hygiene, stop cooking or cleaning, and more. People may feel overwhelmed by daily life, including chores and responsibilities. They may not be able to manage their stress or challenges as they arise.
3. Skipping meetings or appointments
During the early stage of a relapse, people may stop attending doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, 12-step meetings, or other types of recovery support. People may feel less optimistic about recovery or overwhelmed by their day-to-day responsibilities.
4. Sleeping too little or too much
Significant changes in sleeping habits can be an early relapse warning sign. People may spend more time in bed or struggle to get the sleep they need. They may sleep irregularly or choose other activities over sleep.
5. Neglecting self-care
Neglecting self-care is another early warning sign for a relapse. People may skip meals or eat an unhealthy diet, give up on an exercise routine, and resort to other unhealthy habits.
Neglecting self-care can be a reflection of somebody’s mental health. It can also contribute to worsening mental health symptoms. High levels of stress, depression, and mood swings can be a common trigger for relapse.
6. Considering using drugs or alcohol
If people ignore the warning signs of an emotional relapse, they may begin to exhibit signs of mental relapse. Thinking about using drugs or drinking is one of the first signs of a mental relapse.
During a mental relapse, people may fantasize about using drugs or drinking. They may daydream about what it might if they were to start using drugs or alcohol again.
7. Justifying substance use
Justifying substance abuse can be another sign of a mental relapse. People may attempt to excuse or justify using drugs or alcohol again. They may say or think things like:
- “I got sober one time, so I can do it again.”
- “I deserve to drink because it’s my birthday.”
- “I can’t get through this work event without drinking.”
- “I will only drink while I’m on vacation.”
Having these thoughts can make drinking or drug abuse a realistic option in their mind. Without an intervention, a mental relapse can head toward a physical one.
8. Reminiscing about substance use
During a mental relapse, people may reminisce about the days when they were drinking or using drugs. They may only remember the positive aspects of their substance abuse. They may misremember drinking or using drugs as fun or carefree. They will not remember the harm their substance abuse caused or any consequences that came from it.
9. Making plans
During a mental relapse, people may begin to make plans about how they will use substances again. They may think about when they will do it and how they will get drugs or alcohol. They may reach out to people to ask about getting drugs. Or, they might drive to a bar or liquor store. This is the final stage before a physical relapse.
10. Obtaining and using drugs or alcohol
A physical relapse includes using drugs or drinking again. It also includes the actions that led up to drug use or drinking, including calling a dealer or entering the bar or liquor store.
Following a relapse prevention plan can help people stay on track in recovery. However, it is important to know the signs of relapse and seek treatment as soon as you identify them.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love is exhibiting signs of a relapse or requires the support of an addiction treatment center, reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health Specialists. Contact our intake team to ask questions, verify insurance, or schedule an appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Treatment and Recovery
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Addiction Relapse Prevention
- Science Direct: Determinants and prevalence of relapse among patients with substance use disorder in a rural population: A retrospective observational study
