The possibility of addiction relapse is always a real concern for those in recovery. It’s also a cause for concern for family and friends. At the same time, a false accusation of relapse can damage fragile trust between you and your loved one. You want to help your recovering loved one but they may also desire space and independence. In order to avoid the possibility you should know the key signs of relapse.
Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes are a major sign of addiction relapse. For example, someone might become secretive about their whereabouts. Someone in the throes of a heroin relapse will also exhibit classic signs of heroin use. They may act euphoric, begin sleeping a great deal, or suddenly start wearing long sleeve shirts that hide their arms. Just remember that behavioral changes on their own aren’t definitive proof, just one potential sign.
Inexplicable Financial Struggles
A relapse that goes on for any length of time will almost always lead to apparently sudden money troubles. A person who seemed financially stable will begin borrowing money more and more often without ever paying it back. The reason is that the money they make all starts going to supporting their addiction.
Abandoning Peer Support Groups
Participation in a peer support group, such as AA or SMART Recovery, is normal for those in recovery. If someone relapses, they often feel ashamed. This can lead them to pull back from support groups. It can also prove an avoidance action, as others in peer support groups will likely recognize an addiction relapse when they see it.
Neglecting Routines
Routines help someone in recovery stay on track. For example, they might exercise every morning before work and cook every evening. Maybe they attend meetings every Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone skips their routine behaviors once in a while. If someone in recovery begins skipping parts of their routine all the time, it’s a sign of trouble.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The specific symptoms of withdrawal express themselves differently depending on the drug. Alcohol withdrawal shows up as nausea, shaky hands, and insomnia. For opioids, the person might experience muscle aches, cramps, and anxiety. If you’re worried someone you know has relapsed, read up on the withdrawal symptoms for their drug of choice.
Treatment for Addiction Relapse
For very short-term relapses, doubling down on meetings and seeking counseling can sometimes be enough. Another stay in rehab is often the best course of action after a relapse. It gives the person time to regroup and access to more intensive therapy approaches, such as:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- CBT
- Holistic therapies
It also lets the staff focus more on relapse prevention strategies because the person already knows the basics.
Crest View Recovery Center
Crest View Recovery Center offers a continual care model that focuses on reality therapy. CVRC is located in North Carolina.
Don’t let addiction relapse derail your recovery or a loved one’s recovery. A quality rehab program can help put your recovery back on track. Contact us at 866-327-2505 and discover how Crest View Recovery Center will help.