| Relapse is a process, and there are many relapse | | | | A lot of the time frustration and escalate into anger |
| symptoms and warning signs that precede actually | | | | and resentments. One way that frustrations form is |
| picking up a drink or drug. | | | | when there is a belief that not enough is happening, |
| The relapse process ends when one actually starts | | | | and it is coming about too slowly. Anger and |
| drinking or drugging again; at that point it becomes a | | | | resentments have a direct relationship to our |
| using episode. Relapse prevention is focusing on the | | | | expectations. If people and things behave the way |
| thoughts, emotions and behaviors that occur prior to | | | | we think they should anger and resentment is |
| a using episode. Any of these seven topics unnoticed | | | | generated. |
| and not attended to, can lead to a destructive | | | | 5. Tendency Toward Loneliness And Isolation |
| relapse. | | | | I believe it to be entirely true that addiction thrives |
| 1. Return Of Denial. | | | | and grows in isolation and loneliness, and recovery |
| In entering recovery we had to face denial and work | | | | occurs in establishing and maintaining connections. |
| through it. It may have meant finally acknowledging a | | | | Without moving forward in recovery and addict or |
| drug or alcohol problem existed, or that it was out of | | | | alcoholic will use; that's what we do. Recovery is best |
| control. Somehow we arrived at the solution of | | | | done with the help of others. |
| stopping. When denial returns, sneaky thoughts come | | | | 6. Self-pity |
| into play. The idea that it really wasn't so bad may | | | | Common themes of self-pity are questions and |
| become attractive. Blaming anything or anyone | | | | resentments about why other people can use and |
| except the substance may come into play. Ideas like | | | | we can't. It's not fair. There is an old saying, 'Poor |
| 'booze wasn't the problem, my job was', or 'The | | | | me, poor me, pour me another drink'. I used to climb |
| relationship was making me use, and we're better | | | | on the pity-pot when I realized I had to do all this |
| now, so one or two could not possibly hurt'. | | | | work on feelings and emotions, honesty, and staying |
| 2. Discontinuation Of Treatment Or Self-Help Groups. | | | | in the present moment, just to have a chance at |
| There are many studies that support the idea that | | | | being 'normal'. Heck, normal people were just normal, |
| the longer you have exposure to treatment, the | | | | they didn't have to work on it like their life depended |
| better the outcome. Many studies show that you are | | | | on it. |
| less likely to relapse with a strong support network. | | | | 7. Impulsive And Compulsive Behavior |
| A question I ask every patient that returns to | | | | Moderation and accountability, I hate that. When we |
| treatment after relapse is if they followed continuing | | | | are on the relapse road, self-control and discipline can |
| care recommendations. In the vast majority of cases | | | | slide by the wayside. It usually starts with small |
| the answer is no. | | | | breaches in promise you have made to yourself. This |
| 3. Frustration | | | | lack of follow through can lead to denial, dishonesty |
| The most common frustration is that things are not | | | | and a return to out of control behavior. It is |
| moving along quickly enough. Many people impose an | | | | dangerous to give into the 'I want what I want, |
| unrealistic time frame for themselves and those | | | | when I want it' mentality. |
| around them to change for the better. 'When am I | | | | These are just a few of the many identifiable |
| going to be happy?' or 'When is this finally going to | | | | warning signs and symptoms of relapse. There are |
| be over with'? | | | | many more you should become aware of to protect |
| 4. Easily Angered And Forming Resentments | | | | your recovery. |