Overcoming drug and alcohol dependency is a long-term process. It can be a challenge for many individuals. While no one wants to become dependent on substances, many people fail to complete their recovery journey and maintain sobriety. Many of the people seeking long-term sobriety face relapse several times before attaining the goal. Understanding the signs of a relapse can help you take the right steps, like seeking a medication-assisted treatment program, to avoid returning to the previous dangerous life.
Sunflower Wellness Retreat reveals the most common relapse signs if your loved one struggles to overcome substance abuse.
Dropping Healthy Habits
A rehab program involves learning healthy habits you can apply throughout the sobriety journey. Customized programs may incorporate routines like regular sleep, peer-support groups, journaling, physical activity, and medication. Professionals understand these habits can help in maintaining a smooth recovery process.
However, sometimes participants can become overconfident and stop following these healthy habits. Such actions can derail the recovery journey and increase the likelihood of a relapse. If you no longer practice self-care or follow a structured daily schedule, it could be a sign of impending relapse.
Therefore, it is vital to choose an addiction treatment program that can offer rehab aftercare in conjunction with other evidence-based programs, such as:
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Family therapy program
- Alumni program
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program
- LGBT rehab programs
- Holistic therapy program
Negative Feelings Towards Recovery
If a loved one is undergoing addiction recovery, pay attention to any extreme behavioral changes as clear warning signs of a relapse. If the person becomes depressed, defensive, and moody, you may need to initiate a conversation to understand the situation.
People may relapse when they show behavioral changes like:
- Dissociation
- Compartmentalization
- Regression
- Acting out
- Denial
In most cases, the person may become defensive and deny an existing inclination to drug use. While those in recovery may not accept their involvement towards relapse, this does not mean they control the situation.
Self-Isolation
Social withdrawal, isolation, and loneliness are common signs of a relapse. Your loved one may stop communicating with the support network and avoid interaction with others at this stage.
For example, adolescents recovering from drug and alcohol abuse may cut ties with supportive individuals in their lives. They may start being dishonest, lie about their situation, or fail to offer explanations. Relapse happens when you ignore these warning signs.
Rehab professionals, parents, and caregivers can monitor a teen’s behavior and offer the necessary help to prevent a relapse.
Increased Suicidal Thoughts
Individuals battling substance use disorders may have suicidal thoughts due to hopelessness and thinking that other people do not care about their situation.
People can start abusing drugs or contemplate suicide to escape distress, burden, and disconnection. Your loved one can overcome the intense feelings by sharing with a professional and support network. Healthcare providers commit to providing rehab aftercare. They will help your loved one focus on recovery and life afterward.
Craving for Drugs and Alcohol
During the early recovery stages, cravings are common. However, most individuals may relapse due to thinking they can control their usage. Such thoughts can lead to substance use.
If these thoughts occur, you should talk to your counselor or sponsor for encouragement and guidance. Support networks are willing to offer help when necessary because they know recovery can be a challenging process for many.
Contact Sunflower Wellness Retreat to Manage the Signs of a Relapse
When it comes to quitting substance abuse, you need an individualized treatment program offering continued care. Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. If your loved one struggles with a substance use disorder or the signs of a relapse, reach out to our therapists for professional help. Contact Sunflower Wellness Retreat at 855.730.8825 for expert advice on how to manage the recovery.
