Warning Signs of Relapse: How to Spot & What to Do
When suffering from an addiction or caring for someone in recovery, the possibility of relapse is an unfortunate yet real source of worry. Some studies even show that without treatment, 90% of those with an opioid addiction and 65-70% of those with an alcohol addiction relapse within the first year. With so much temptation and stress, it is very easy to slip back into bad habits.
The warning signs of relapse are usually there far before the episode even occurs. Some of these signs aren’t as obvious as you may think and can be mistaken for a simple “bad day.” But when one bad day turns into two, three, or more, the temptation for previous stress relief can be very alluring.
You may be in recovery or a treatment program and feel like you’re “immune” to relapse. Or you may be fearful that, if it does occur, you won’t know the signs or what to do. However, the possibility of relapse is one of the truths about addiction that people don’t like to talk about.
That’s why it’s imperative that you’re educated in some of the most common warning signs of relapse so you can identify and prevent it before it occurs, as well as know what to do if it happens so you can get back on track to your goals.
5 Common Warning Signs of Relapse
Master Center has treated over 10,000 patients in Virginia since 2016, and we’ve helped thousands of these patients overcome relapse and develop strategies for preventing it. Our licensed providers, therapists, and coaches have identified these 5 common warning signs of relapse to help you or someone you care about prevent an episode before it starts:
- Changes in attitude towards your recovery program.
- Denial of outside emotions affecting treatment.
- Changes in behavior and reverting to old habits.
- A loss of hope in recovery success.
- Isolation from loved ones and friends.
1. A Change in Attitude Towards Your Recovery Program
One of the most common warning signs of relapse is an attitude change towards your recovery program, where you may feel that it’s not as important as it once was.
This change of attitude can be a clear warning sign that a relapse may soon occur. It may be misconstrued as a feeling of, “I’m doing much better, so I don’t need to try so hard,” believing that you’re “cured” prematurely, or thinking that you can even give up recovery altogether.
Because addiction is a brain disease, your brain is convincing you of what you want to hear so that you can put your addiction back to the forefront of your mind. Unfortunately, this change in attitude is a clear warning sign of relapse on the horizon, and it’s crucial that you shut down those thoughts as quickly as possible.
What to Do
If you start to feel this change, there are a few actions you can take:
- Remember and break down the “why” behind your recovery.
- Readjust and reframe your goals or break them into smaller pieces.
- Reach out to a trusted person as soon as possible.
- Attend a support group session or schedule additional therapy appointments.
- Re-engage with your treatment program with a more determined attitude towards recovery.
2. Denial of Your True Emotions & Struggles
This type of denial is not about denying you have an alcohol or drug addiction; it’s about denying you’re experiencing additional difficulties and stress outside of your addiction.
In recovery, many people neglect outside feelings that directly or indirectly affect their treatment plan. You may convince yourself that you’re not sad, worried, scared, or angry during recovery, when, in reality, there’s many factors at play. Maybe it’s resentment towards others, grief of a loved one, underlying mental illnesses, or the stress of daily life.
This denial can be damaging to your health as it may continue to build in you until you release it through whatever outlet is easier—typically by relapsing. Bottling up your frustration, guilt, sadness, grief, or whatever outside emotion can be one of the most common warning signs of relapse, as it can trigger your desire to use when you reach a breaking point.
What to Do
When this sign occurs, ensure that you’re being open and honest with your therapist, support group, or whoever is directing your recovery program to help alleviate these outside stressors and prevent the harm of relapse.
This may involve adjusting your current program, exploring different mental health strategies, or setting boundaries. Regardless, be sure to embrace, not deny, all the factors affecting your recovery.
3. Changes in Behavior Towards Others
When in recovery, it’s easy to act impulsively or defensively, especially when people you care about are involved. This is another one of the warning signs of relapse, and, if not identified early, you may find yourself reverting to old habits.
A change in behavior can be difficult to correctly identify as it can very easily be mistaken for a simple “bad day.” These changes of behavior are often caused by an increase in frustration and stress, both inside and outside of addiction treatment. Some negative behavioral shifts may look like avoidance, defensiveness, and agitation toward others. When not identified early, this agitation and defensiveness can turn into impulsivity, which can lead to using drugs or alcohol again.
What to Do
- Process these behaviors during your recovery program.
- Switch to focus on emotion management strategies to avoid relapse.
- Don’t push away those who care about you—they can be crucial in not just supporting your recovery, but preventing relapse, too. Loved ones can learn more about addiction and support in our free downloadable e-book as well.
4. Loss of Hope in Your Recovery
During treatment, the exhaustion of the recovery program can lead to a feeling of hopelessness as the person tries to incorporate their treatment into daily life. At this stage, feelings are fragile, and loneliness, frustration, helplessness, anger, and desperation are at the forefront.
This can be a dark time in the addiction recovery process, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most common warning signs of relapse. It’s here that you must acknowledge any doubts in your recovery and immediately bring it up to your therapist, counselor, support group, or whoever else is directing your treatment program.
Hopelessness is the thief of the joy of recovery, so stay firm in your sobriety goals and speak up when those feelings arise.
What to Do
The biggest thing you can do is reflect on your motivation to get sober and connect with those that support it—whether that’s a counselor, pastor, family member, friend from your support group, or coworker, make a greater effort to engage with those you trust and who support your goals.
5. Isolation From Loved Ones, Friends, & Support Systems
The last sign of relapse is making excuses to avoid social situations. Whether it’s stress, shame, hopelessness, or frustration, feelings of discomfort can arise, and you may find yourself withdrawing more from friends, family, support groups, and other social situations.
This lack of social support can be incredibly devastating to a person in recovery. It’s a vicious cycle of feeling like no one understands your experience, so you avoid social interaction or talking with others. When this pattern is left unrecognized, the risk of relapse occurs.
What to Do
It’s crucial to avoid isolation at all costs when negative feelings arise. When left alone in a vulnerable state, the urge to use is at its strongest, so it’s imperative to seek any form of support from a trusted source to avoid relapse.
This can look like getting coffee with a good friend, visiting your children, attending extra support group sessions, engaging more in church or other community activities, or simply just being around people more. Don’t neglect the power of social support in recovery.
Relapse Prevention is Key to Recovery
When in recovery, relapse is a very real concern, but it can be prevented with a strong support network of loved ones, social groups, and professionals. By knowing the common warning signs of relapse, you’ll not only feel more confident in the face of addiction but also have a greater understanding of your personal recovery journey.
Many rehab centers have strict rules about relapse, which can increase worries about it. At Master Center, our programming doesn’t remove anyone from treatment if relapse occurs. We recognize it as a reality of rehab and the recovery process, and you should, too. Our licensed medical providers, counselors, and peer recovery coaches work with individuals to develop relapse prevention strategies, manage triggers, and control the emotions that come with addiction treatment.
Next Steps to Avoiding Relapse
Relapse can be worrying, whether you’ve been in recovery for 3 months or 3 years. With that, it takes an awareness of the signs of relapse, as well as a comprehensive treatment program to prevent it. Our addiction specialists recommend these additional strategies to help:
- Ask about relapse prevention programs when choosing a rehab center. Do they offer any specialized therapies that focus on relapse? What is their stance on relapse during treatment? Be specific when you explore your alcohol rehab or drug rehab options.
- Ensure that your loved ones know the warning signs of relapse. Be open with them about your triggers and lean on them for additional support.
- Notify trusted sources when signs of relapse occur. The quicker you identify and seek help, the less you run the risk of relapse.
- Choose a treatment center that has a flexible relapse policy. Different rehabs have different policies on relapse. For instance, inpatient centers or sober living homes can evict you if you relapse, so be sure to ask when selecting a program.
- Don’t consider relapse as the end of rehab. Relapse happens, and it doesn’t mean you’re “weak;” you can always start over.
Where to Start
If you’re worried about relapse, reflect on your behaviors, patterns, and triggers, and seek help if possible. Schedule additional appointments, call a trusted person, or reach out to a hotline. If you’re not in a treatment program yet, explore all rehab options and find the best alcohol rehab or drug rehab that fits your needs and goals.
Always remember that no matter what, your last try was not your last chance. Recovery is achievable for you, no matter the obstacles encountered, as long as you stick to your goals, be aware of the signs of relapse, and never be afraid to ask for help.
About Master Center for Addiction Medicine
Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.
Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.
Give us a call today at 804.332.5950 to schedule an appointment or learn more about us.
