Signs of a Possible Relapse | SAMHSA
Understanding that relapse can be part of a person’s recovery is important. But even more important is to understand the signs of a possible relapse so that it can be avoided all together.
Addiction Relapse Explained
Because addiction is now understood to be a chronic, often relapsing brain disease — one that results in cravings for a drug or alcohol that are five times stronger than our instinctual, hardwired cravings to eat food when hungry or drink water when thirsty — it is not the end of the world if a relapse occurs. This is not to condone them, nor does not mean going along with a full-bore return to substance abuse/addiction; rather it refers to someone believing they have been doing great, are in control again and can handle “just this one drink.” Because addiction results in embedded brain maps, that one drink can soon turn to two, then five and then off on a spiral.
So it is helpful to know the signs of a possible relapse and suggestions for what to do to prevent them. The following are from SAMHSA’s publication, “The Next Step…Toward a Better Life. There are many others, and it can be helpful to others if you share your own experiences as a comment to this post.
Signs of a Possible Relapse
• A dream in which you drink or use can be a warning. Think about what you are doing and how you might be drifting toward use.
• People often relapse when they feel better and more in control: they think that moderate use is okay. This thinking often leads to relapse.Suggestions to Prevent a Relapse
• Call a counselor or sober friends.
• Leave the situation and walk or jog around the block a few times.
• Eat or distract yourself with a book or movie.
• Tell your friends and family to stop you when you talk about the fun you had while drinking or using.
• Make a list of the good things about your new life, such as better relationships, success at work or school, looking better, or time and money for hobbies.
• Stop yourself from daydreaming about the fun of drug and alcohol use, and think about the downside.
• If you have already relapsed at least once, think of how it happened. What can you do differently this time?“Just be strong and say no” is not enough to handle the situations you will face. Write down the ways you could relapse, and come up with a strategy to handle them. Make a copy to keep with you.
And one more tip – watch out for The “Looking Good” Trap
The “looking good” trap refers to the fact that you are getting healthier. You look much better. No one would guess by your appearance that you have a substance use problem. Other people can tempt you to slip or relapse. You might also begin to doubt that you have a drug or drinking problem. Don’t let the mirror fool you. Remind yourself that your looks improve faster than your ability to stay sober.And, don’t forget your anti-drink / anti-drug – see related post.
Understanding the power of addiction and how it hijacks the brain can also go a long way to preventing a relapse. See the following related posts:
Helping the Alcoholic in Recovery, Understanding the Brain
Most importantly, if a relapse does occur, the addict/alcoholic needs to do whatever they need to do to return to abstinence and resume their recovery where they left off, and the family member/friend needs to set a firm boundary (or stick to the one they’d previously set) of what they will and will not tolerate.
Lisa Frederiksen
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In todays culture we so often cast persons with the disease of addiction to the sidelines, and then, in their pain, they seek out ways of coping that do further harm to their human dignity. Families are destroyed. Employers are comprimised. Taxpayers are held accountable, And healthcare costs skyrocket for everyone. We know that persons of all backgrounds and ages are victims of the disease of addiction – doctors, lawyers, teachers. religious, teens, young adults, mothers, fathers, etc. Yet because our culture views addiction as a failure and as a character flaw the victim hides and does not seek help. Until we change our view and recognize the disease we will continue to spiral downward and out of control.
This is so well-said, Eileen. Thank you for commenting!
Hi, Very informative blog. I was an addict myself, three years ago. I was out of control and with the help of friends, finally went to a rehab ( http://www.edgewood.ca/inpatient-addiction-treatment ) I came out clean, but battles the temptation every single day. You are so right about the “they think that moderate use is okay” part. I have told myself the same and then, before you know it, you are an addict again. Now I have found a way out. I spend hours exercising, and trust me that helps!
Thank you so much, Patricia, for sharing your story – it’s always such a help to others to hear how someone succeeds in recovery. And congratulations to you!