Completing an addiction treatment program is an admirable accomplishment. However, more work must be done to maintain your recovery. Temptations and triggers can still derail your progress, so it is important to recognize the warning signs of relapse and get the help you need to stay on track.
At BrightView, we understand the importance of having long-term support as you navigate a sober lifestyle. We work hard to break down the barriers to addiction treatment and recovery by making it easy to get the help you need quickly and compassionately.
Contact us at 888.501.9865 anytime, day or night, to schedule an assessment and enroll in our addiction relapse program within just a few hours.
5 Warning Signs of Relapse
How can you tell if you or a loved one is at risk of a relapse? Thankfully, there are early warning signs of relapse that can tip you off. Getting help sooner rather than later can help prevent a relapse or get you back on your recovery path faster. Be alert for the following relapse warning signs:
1. Nagging Thoughts About Substances
As you start to get further into your recovery journey, you may find that thoughts about drugs or alcohol gradually start to fade. But there may be times when these thoughts resurface, and you find yourself thinking about past addictive behaviors or romanticizing substance use. This often happens during periods of stress or when you are triggered by people or situations that used to contribute to substance misuse.
2. Mood Swings
Mood swings can be another one of the early warning signs of addiction relapse risk in yourself or another person. You might begin feeling more irritable, anxious, or depressed, especially if you have an untreated mental health condition. Emotional distress is one of the most common contributors to substance misuse, so it is helpful to notice these feelings and make an extra effort to get support from your addiction treatment team and your loved ones.
3. Social Isolation
Social isolation is a sign of potential relapse you may notice in others. However, it is something to consider if you realize you have been avoiding the company of friends or family and spending more time alone.
4. Decline in Self-Care
If a person has relapsed or is on the verge of a relapse, they may begin to neglect their self-care routines. Practicing personal hygiene, eating healthily, exercising, and socializing are important aspects of a healthy recovery. When these beneficial habits start to slide, it can be a sign that a person is struggling in their recovery and likely needs guidance.
5. Engaging in Risky Behaviors
Staying sober usually means avoiding people, places, and activities associated with substance misuse. If your loved one begins associating with old friends who encourage substance misuse or visiting places linked to past addictive behavior, such as bars or parties, it could be a sign they need help to avoid or treat relapse.
What to Do When You Spot Signs of Addiction Relapse
If you spot signs of relapse risk in yourself or a possible relapse in a loved one, here are a few tips to help you stay on your recovery path:
- Maintain open communication with your loved ones and express any concerns in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner.
- Reconnect with your support system by attending support group meetings and talking to loved ones about your recovery.
- Reach out for professional help from an addiction relapse program to help rekindle your commitment to sobriety.
- Create a relapse prevention plan to identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and establish a strong support system to prevent future relapse.
Relapses happen, and when they do, it is best to remain calm and supportive throughout. The next step is to do what it takes to get back on track through a combination of professional treatment and support from those around you.
Call Today to Get Help from BrightView When You Notice Relapse Warning Signs
By being aware of the warning signs of relapse, you or someone you love will know if it is time to get help. Brightview offers nonjudgmental outpatient addiction relapse treatment in a welcoming environment to help you and those you care about find their way back to sobriety.
Start getting the help you need today by calling us at 888.501.9865 or completing our online form.
