It is a slow process that begins long before you actually use.
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You might feel like something is wrong but can’t identify exactly what it is.
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Returning to the “real world” after a stint in residential treatment can present many stressful situations.
The danger is in overreacting to those situations.
Be careful if you begin to have mood swings and exaggerated positive or negative feelings.
Reactivation of Denial
This is not denial that you have a drug or alcohol problem.
It’s denial that stress is getting to you.
You give a shot to convince yourself that everything is OK, but it’s not.
You may be scared or worried, but you dismiss those feelings and stop sharing them with others.
Known aspost-acute withdrawal symptoms, these symptoms can return during times of stress.
They are dangerous because you may be tempted to self-medicate them with alcohol or drugs.
Social Breakdown
You may begin feeling uncomfortable around others and making excuses not to socialize.
You stop going to yoursupport groupmeetings, or cutting way back on the number of meetings you attend.
You begin to isolate yourself.
You may begin sleeping late, ignoring personal hygiene, or skipping meals.
Loss of Judgment
You have trouble making decisions or start making unhealthy ones.
It may be hard to think clearly, and you become confused easily.
You may feel overwhelmed for no apparent reason or unable to relax.
You may become annoyed or angry easily.
Loss of Control
You make irrational choices and are unable to interrupt or alter those choices.
You begin to actively cut off people who can help you.
You lose confidence in your ability to manage your life.
Loss of Options
You begin to limit your options.
You stop attending all meetings with counselors and yoursupport groupsand discontinue anypharmacotherapy treatments.
You may feel loneliness, frustration, anger, resentment, and tension.
You might feel helpless and desperate.
You quickly lose control and your alcohol and drug use spiral further out of control.
This causes increasing problems with relationships, jobs, money, mental, and physical health.
You need help getting sober again.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If a relapse does happen, it is not the end of the world.
Mwangi N.Street: Strategy to Reach Edify & Empower Teens.
WestBow Press; 2016.
Miller WR, Harris RJ.A simple scale of Gorski’s warning signs for relapse.J Stud Alcohol.
2011;36(10):987-993. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.05.013
