Freedom Detox & Recovery Center Blog
Relapse Warning Signs
Live a happier, healthier life by preventing relapse before it happens- look for warning signs like increased stress, depression, anxiety and sudden changes.
Understanding relapse
Phases of relapse
Signs of relapse
- An increase in stress: dealing with an overwhelming number of tasks at work, handling too many duties at home or having family drama that weighs on you can all pile up and result in emotional turmoil. Even those who are accustomed to regular stress in life may have to take a step back to protect their sobriety against stress.
- Depression: a high rate of co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorders means that worsening depression is a very real threat to your progress in recovery. Addressing mental health issues simultaneously to addiction treatment is essential to long-term and sustainable success.
- Anxiety: in addition to depression, healing the root causes of anxiety and finding ways to manage daily nerves will be key in preventing relapse.
- Isolation: a lack of social opportunities or support can surely stimulate a trigger to relapse and is one of the most commonly cited risk factors for continued substance use disorders.
- Social pressure: one of the most common signs of relapse is an increase in people-pleasing behaviors. If your old friends from the bar continue to invite you out to drinks and while at first you said no and now you say you’ll stop in for ten minutes, you might be facing a risky situation.
- Sudden changes: behavioral changes, such as abrupt sleep difficulties, changes in daily routine or appetite can be an indicator of building tension. The best way to spot signs of relapse is to keep your intuition involved when it comes to small changes like these.
Noticing relapse signs isn’t an easy task and it requires vigilance, but the alternative of returning to an addiction is much worse.
It's time.
Contact us today to regain your freedom and start your life of sobriety.