Those who are engaged in recovery from alcohol or any other form of substance abuse will always be looking to avoid issues of relapse, but this isn’t always possible or realistic. Both individuals in this situation and their close friends or family members should be on the lookout for signs that relapse might be a possibility in the near future, as recognizing these signs will often help with avoiding relapse entirely.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, these are the kinds of themes we assist with for all of our alcohol rehabilitation and treatment programs for patients in Boise – plus in other states like Washington and Oregon. Here are some of the chief indicators that someone in alcohol addiction recovery might be at-risk of relapsing or actively relapsing, plus how to address them in yourself or someone close to you.
Unexpected Withdrawal Symptoms
While withdrawal symptoms are expected at certain times of the recovery process, any unexpected symptoms might signal a risk for relapse. It is important to pay attention to one’s body and know when certain signs may be indicating a more dire need for medical intervention or additional support for continued sobriety.
In many cases, these symptoms are actually your brain or body’s way of trying to draw you back into the habit of drinking. This could be anything from cravings to headaches or even tiredness, and should all be monitored closely.
Decrease In Motivation
One of the telling signs that someone is on their way back to alcoholism is a decrease in activity or motivation. This includes no longer attending meetings or therapies, avoiding social gatherings where alcohol is present, and all other activities that are essential for a successful recovery.
If you or someone close to you notices an alarming drop in motivation, it might be time to give your treatment plan a review and make any necessary changes to ensure continued sobriety.
Major Stress
While stress can result from a variety of things, it is often a sign that an individual may be in need of additional support and guidance. Major life changes, such as the loss of a job or loved one can cause a person to seek solace in alcohol, which could lead to relapse.
Stress is a major trigger for relapse, so it is important for individuals in recovery to develop healthy ways of coping with stress and not turn to substance abuse. Additionally, if you or someone close to you is experiencing a particularly stressful situation, it might be beneficial to talk to a therapist or join a support group to gain further help and understanding.
Eroding Decision-Making
Another telltale sign that someone may be at risk of relapse is a decrease in their decision-making ability. This could include not making sound decisions or allowing themselves to become involved in situations that involve alcohol.
If this is happening, it might be wise to take a step back and reassess the situation before possibly leading yourself down a slippery slope. Additionally, it is important for family and friends to be aware of this phenomenon and provide the necessary support to help the individual stay on track with their treatment plan.
Refusing Support
Some people in recovery may start to refuse support from family and friends, which is a strong sign of relapse. This could stem from shame or guilt around the addiction and is often an indication that the individual might need extra help, so it’s important to keep reaching out in this situation.
This is one area where the support of a professional addiction treatment center can be invaluable. At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we provide supportive, compassionate care for individuals in recovery from alcohol and all other forms of substance abuse.
Denying the Issues
Finally, it is important for individuals and their loved ones to be aware of any signs of denial. If someone in recovery is denying that there are any issues, or if they are trying to downplay the seriousness of their situation, this might be a sign that relapse is imminent.
It is essential to address these issues head-on, whether through self-reflection or with the help of a professional.
Recognizing the signs of relapse is an important part of avoiding it entirely, and with proper support and guidance, individuals can stay on track with their recovery goals. At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we are dedicated to providing caring, personalized care plans that meet both your physical and mental health needs. Contact us today to learn about our alcohol recovery or other addiction recovery programs in Boise, Washington or Oregon.
