Individuals who are struggling with relapse can feel like they are all alone. It can seem like everyone else has the ability to recover except for them. In 12-Step recovery, this is called “terminal uniqueness.” The truth is, however, that release is a lot more common than many people think. In fact, according to the publication, Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Nicholas Guenzel and Dennis McChargue, “Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs.” However, just because relapse is more common than many people think does not mean we shouldn’t try to prevent them. Recognizing the warning signs of potential relapse is one of the best ways to do this.

Understanding That a Relapse May Happen

The truth of the matter is that relapses can and do happen. They certainly don’t have to happen, and they certainly don’t happen to everyone that goes through recovery. Still, not all recovery journeys are linear. Everyone’s journey is different and it’s going to be just fine if that journey takes a side-step on occasion.

However, just because relapses may happen does not mean that they should be accepted as inevitable. Authors Guenzel and McChargue further explain that “the normalization of relapses can reduce the urgency for providers, patients, and support individuals to prevent them from occurring. Countless individuals lose their employment, families, freedom, and even lives as a consequence of relapses.” Preventing and coping with the possibility of relapse can be tricky. Just as a relapse should never be “normalized,” it should never be wholly discouraging either.

Not Getting Discouraged by Relapse

It is important to remember that once a relapse happens, there is only moving forward, never going back. A relapse, handled properly, can be merely a bump in the road of recovery. No one benefits from getting discouraged over a relapse. However, if managed well, a relapse can actually become a motivator to reestablish a connection with a treatment plan and a reminder to stay engaged with a recovery community.

Yet, the reality that relapses happen should not overshadow the reality that avoiding a relapse is always a better option. To do that, however, you must be able to recognize the warning signs of potential relapse.

The Warning Signs of Potential Relapse

When it comes to the warning signs of potential relapse, it is important to realize that relapses rarely happen “overnight.” According to the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, “The key to relapse prevention is to understand that relapse happens gradually. It begins weeks and sometimes months before an individual picks up a drink or drug.”

The “good news” is that this gradual process into relapse offers a longer period of time during which we can detect it and hopefully intervene before a relapse happens. Here are just a few of the warning signs of potential relapse:

  • If a person is a member of a 12-Step or other recovery community, they may begin to disengage and stop attending meetings.
  • They may begin to become more secretive regarding their day-to-day activities.
  • An individual may start to exhibit depressed and/or anxious behaviors.
  • They may have trouble controlling their emotions and become volatile over seemingly small situations.
  • An individual may begin to romanticize the way their life was in active addiction.
  • They may have trouble concentrating or staying focused on the tasks at hand.
  • Adolescents may start to show a marked academic decline.
  • A psychological or emotional relapse can even bring about physical feelings of cravings or withdrawal.

If any or some of these warning signs arise, we here at Clearview highly recommend reaching out for professional help right away. Sometimes the answer is as simple as reconnecting them to someone in their recovery community who can help them avoid going down the road of relapse.

Reaching Out to Clearview Before Potential Relapse

While the goal is to intervene before a relapse happens, remember that a relapse never has to be the end of the recovery road. 12-Step recovery has a saying: “Just take the next right step.” That saying certainly applies to relapse.

In recovery, as in life, it is important to be able to move on from adversity. Relapse is certainly one of the most adverse aspects of recovery. When it happens, the key is to address it and continue to move forward. Remember, it’s not how we fall, it’s how we get back up.

Here at Clearview, we pride ourselves on how we light our student’s path out of the darkness of addiction and onto the path of recovery. Yes, sometimes that light gets shut off by relapse, but we’re always here to click it back on. Many times, after relapse, it shines brighter than it did before.

Yes, there are warning signs that a relapse may be on the horizon. A few examples of this are reverting to old negative behaviors and a loss of connection to a spiritual group or 12-Step program. However, knowing the warning signs of a potential relapse can allow us to intervene before one actually occurs. If you feel like your daughter may be on the verge of a relapse, do not get discouraged. Rather, heed the warning signs and reach out for help as soon as possible. For more information on substance use disorder (SUD) and what to watch for that signals a potential relapse, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.