Warning Signs of Relapse (201) 492-6604

Depression, Stress, and Other Triggers

When someone begins the rehabilitation and recovery process for a drug or alcohol addiction, it is a laborious journey filled with many stages. During this recovery process, it is crucial to become aware of and keep an eye out for relapse warning signs. Once the initial detoxification course is complete, the addict will begin his or her long-term care protocol to continue on the road to recovery. Long-term care therapies and modalities will become a mainstay in the addict’s life in order to avoid a relapse into drugs and alcohol.

To addicts, relapse is stepping backward’s into old, destructive patterns and behaviors that will take the individual off their current course and potentially back into the world of addiction. While someone can always get back to sobriety after a relapse, it is wise to know the warning signs and relapse prevention techniques in order to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Knowledge regarding warning signs is one of the best weapons again relapse. Here are the most common to keep an eye out for:

Feeling angry or resentful

Recovery can be tough, and sometimes the person in recovery can feel like their progress is slow, life in recovery isn’t as exciting as their old life, etc. These negative feelings are the perfect excuse for someone to feel like they should begin using drugs or alcohol again to make themselves feel better.

Feeling Overwhelmed

Again, recovery isn’t the easiest road to walk but there are so many resources that can help make it an easier journey. That being said, some people do feel overwhelmed while in recovery. These feelings of not being able to cope with everything that is going on around them could be a major sign of looming relapse. The temptation of drugs and alcohol can lure them into escaping their current reality.

Reconnecting with Old Friends

One surefire way to begin using drugs and alcohol again is by spending time with the old crowd with whom the addict used these substances with prior. Peer pressure and being in environments filled with memories of doing drugs and alcohol may be too enticing for someone in recovery.

Fantasizing about the “Good Times”

Some addicts may begin fantasizing about the good ole’ days when they were using drugs and alcohol, however, our minds play tricks on us and we often paint a much happier picture than what was really taking place. A deep yearning for these “good” times may be enticing enough for an addict to relapse.

Being Absent from Support Groups and Programs

There are many incredible 12-Step programs and support groups for addiction. And while these groups help keep thousands of people on track for the rest of their lives, sometimes hearing others stories can remind people of their old life. They may stop connecting with others in recovery, and if they are slipping back into their old ways, they may stop going to their recovery groups altogether.

Increased Isolation

Becoming withdrawn and isolated is one telltale relapse warning sign that should be taken seriously. Many addicts will withdraw because they are hiding something or do not want to be questioned about their behavior. It is not uncommon for those who have relapsed to completely remove themselves from their daily network of friends, family and recovery partners.

Sobriety and recovery is a new beginning for someone addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. To help prevent relapse, it is wise for the addict to set goals and map out a plan to help him or her achieve these goals. It is also crucial for them to connect with recovery support groups and 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.  There are many additional relapse warning signs to look out for, and you can learn more about relapse through Drug Detox Centers Jersey City. Just give our caring recovery advocates a call today at (201) 492-6604.