Recovering from drug and alcohol addiction can be challenging. Participating in addiction treatment programs can help people overcome the physical and emotional aspects of substance abuse. It can also help people develop the skills they need to maintain their sobriety.

However, the road to addiction recovery is not always a straight path. Many people face setbacks as they work toward lifelong sobriety, including relapse. 

A relapse can feel like a significant setback during recovery. Following a relapse prevention plan in recovery is essential. Knowing common warning signs of a relapse can help people stay on track in recovery. 

This article will explore the warning signs of relapse. You will learn:

• What a relapse is
• Common warning relapse signs
• Where to find addiction treatment and support during recovery

If you or someone you love need support to avoid relapse, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn more about our treatment and recovery programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment. 

What is a Relapse?

The term “relapse” refers to using an addictive substance after a period of abstinence. People may relapse for many reasons, including:

• Not having enough skills to prevent relapse
• Lacking support
• Overwhelming emotions
• New challenges

A relapse can leave people feeling discouraged, frustrated, or hopeless. People may wonder if they have what it takes to stay sober for life. However, a relapse can provide important information about what additional support someone needs in recovery.

In most cases, a relapse happens in stages. The three stages of a relapse are:

1. Emotional relapse: People may feel overwhelmed, experience new challenges, or stop following their relapse prevention plan.
2. Mental relapse: People may consider what it would be like to use drugs or drink again. They may feel nostalgic about the past without remembering the harm substance abuse caused them.
3. Physical relapse: A physical relapse includes using drugs or drinking again. It also consists of the actions leading up to it (going to the bar, calling your dealer, etc.)

Recognizing the warning signs of relapse can help you get the support you need to avoid using drugs and alcohol again. 

Warning Signs of a Drug and Alcohol Relapse

Recognizing the early warning signs of relapse may help prevent it from progressing to the physical stage. Here are some warning signs of an impending relapse. 

Neglecting your self-care

Poor self-care can be a sign of a relapse on the horizon. Watch for changes in your sleeping habits (sleeping too much or not sleeping enough), appetite, and hygiene. 

Some behaviors to watch for include:

• Eating an unhealthy diet
• Ignoring household chores
• Feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities 

These could be a sign you need help to avoid a relapse.

Thinking about using drugs or alcohol again

If you find yourself reminiscing about the past or missing your friends who still use addictive substances, it could be a relapse warning sign. Thinking about when or how you’d get or use drugs can also be a sign of relapse. Similarly, justifying why you should get to use or drink again can also be a sign you need help.

Missing appointments or meetings

Skipping support groups or recovery meetings could be a sign that your commitment to recovery isn’t as strong as it used to be. 

New or worsening mental health symptoms

Strong emotions like boredom, anger, or loneliness can trigger a relapse. Watch for new or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. These can also be a sign you need more support to avoid a relapse. Pay attention to mood swings, new mental health symptoms, or other challenging emotions.

Falling behind in your responsibilities

Neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school can be a sign that a relapse may occur. If the tasks of daily life feel like too much, you may need additional support to prevent a relapse. 

Isolating

If you find yourself spending less time with supportive friends and family members and more time alone, it could be a relapse warning sign. 

Making plans to use or drink

If you find yourself making a plan on when you’ll use drugs or drink again, you may be in the mental stage of relapse. Without taking action, you may progress toward a physical relapse. Seek treatment right away.

Obtaining and using drugs or alcohol

Getting and using drugs or alcohol is the final stage of relapse. A physical relapse can feel like a setback, but it is essential to seek the help you need to get back on track. 

If you are at risk of relapse, seek treatment right away. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to learn about reducing the risk of relapse or to find support. 

Find Treatment Now

Moving Mountains Recovery offers a range of holistic treatment plans and programs for people at any stage of recovery. Contact our intake team to learn about what sets our programs apart. Reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.