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Symptoms Leading to Relapse
Common Symptoms Leading to Relapse
In recovery it is important
to be aware of the symptoms that can lead a
person to relapse. These behaviors or ways
of thinking have proven to have harmful effects
and consequences on the maintenance of the recovery
process. It is suggested that you remain mindful
of these symptoms in caring for yourself.
- Dishonesty:
This begins a pattern of unnecessary little
lies and deceits with fellow workers, friends,
and family. The next step is you start lying
to yourself. This is called rationalization-
making excuses for not doing what you know you
need to do, or pretending to do other things
in lieu of what really needs to be done.
- Impatience:
You feel like things are not happening fast
enough. Or others are not doing what you want
them to do, in the way you want them to do it.
Remember, using drugs or alcohol is about immediate
gratification. Recovery is about being patient
and honestly trusting the process.
- Argumentative:
Arguing small and ridiculous points of view
indicates a need to always be right. "Why
don't you be reasonable and agree with me?"
Ask yourself "Do I always have to be right,
and possibly alone?" Look at why you provoke
arguments. Could it be you are setting up a
justification in order to relapse!
- It
won't happen to me, syndrome: This is
very dangerous thinking. Almost anything can
happen to you if you get careless in your recovery.
Remember, you have a progressive disease, and
if you start using or drinking again, you start
up where you left off when you quit.
- Cockiness:
So, you think you've got it made. You no longer
fear your addiction. You start testing yourself,
trying to prove to yourself and other that the
problem is fixed, cured, or went away. Do this
often enough and it will wear down your defenses.
Before you know it you are using just a little
on weekends, and then during the week. You know
the pattern…
- Complacency:
It is very dangerous to let up on all the disciplines
that have been structuring you recovery. When
you get complacent and start taking your recovery
for granted you are setting yourself up for
the fall. It is always better to have a little
fear about relapsing than no fear at all.
- Expectations:
"I have changed, why hasn't everyone else?"
It is always a plus if they do although it is
still your recovery even if they choose not
to change. People may not accept you yet, and
may still be looking for further proof that
you can stay clean and sober. It is not wise
to expect others to change their lifestyle and
attitude just because you have decided to make
a life-saving change.
Remember: Be careful with yourself.
Life will be less stressful and more enjoyable.
Recommended Reading
First Year Sobriety
When All That Changes Is Everything
by Guy Kettelhack
This is the first in
a series of three recovery guides for the first three
years of sobriety. It it filled with stories of men
and women who are struggling through their first year
of sobriety as they struggle through life's challenges
without drugs or alcohol.
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