Signs of Relapse: What to Watch Out For
An estimated 90 percent of people who have recovered from an addiction to drugs or alcohol will eventually relapse. Depending on the severity of the relapse, you may have to begin the process of addiction treatment and recovery from the very beginning.
Signs of Impending Relapse in Recovering Alcoholics and Addicts
A relapse can happen at any time, and can be triggered by an event, person or place that reminds you of your addiction. In most cases, however, relapse isn’t brought on simply by seeing, hearing or experiencing something that reminds you of when you were using. It is often a gradual change in attitude and behaviors that make a relapse occur. 
Here are some signs you should watch out for so that you don’t risk relapse:
Change in addictions. If you have begun engaging in another compulsive behavior, such as gambling, shopping or binge eating, you may be putting yourself at a risk of relapse.
Change in attitude. You may decide that you no longer need to follow your relapse prevention plan or that you are able to continue with your old way of living without falling into old habits. When your mindset about your sobriety changes, there is a good chance you will relapse.
Ignoring yourself. One of the most important parts of staying sober is listening to your body and being in tune with your feelings and needs. If you begin neglecting sleep, food and relaxation, you are ignoring yourself and may fall back into bad patterns.
Increased stress. The stress of life can be overwhelming and can often make relapse more probable. Stress may have been what caused you to use in the first place, so make sure you have stress-reduction and prevention techniques built into your relapse prevention plan so you have healthier ways to deal with it.
Decreased socializing. You may start isolating yourself if you are on the verge of relapsing. You may withdraw from those friends or family who supported you or stop going to support group meetings altogether.
Denial. When you were using, you were in denial about your drug or alcohol addiction. If you are in recovery, you may be in denial that life’s stressors or your concerns about relapse are affecting you.
Loss of structure. Creating a structured schedule helped you to remain sober. When you abandon this schedule and start ignoring what you need to do each day, you put yourself at a higher risk for relapse.
Making poor decisions. There’s a chance you’ll start to make unhealthy decisions and become more easily confused. You may feel more irritable and overwhelmed, and find it difficult to manage your emotions and feelings.
Social use. You may try to use drugs or alcohol on a limited or social basis, and immediately experience guilt and shame. Even this small use of substances can cause you to lose control and relapse into a full-blown drug and alcohol addiction that will necessitate you having to go through treatment yet again.
Relapse Treatment
No matter when relapse happens, know that it is common. It is also preventable. Be aware of the warning signs that can lead to relapse so that you make decisions and take the steps needed to stay sober.
If you do relapse, remember that you can again seek treatment for your addiction. It may not be easy, but if you have recovered once, you can do it again.
