Relapse Danger Signs

Relapse Danger Signs drug rehabilitation and alcohol rehabilitation

The Term Relapse Means: From the Latin relabi to slide back, from re- + labi to slide, The act or an instance of backsliding, worsening, or subsiding, A recurrence of symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement.

Like recovery relapse is a process that begins before actual re-addiction to drugs or alcohol occurs. Within the process of relapse there are many signs that the person in recovery needs to be aware of in order to guard against re-addiction.


The following are some of the more common danger signs.

  1. I deny my fear
  2. I convince myself that " I'll never drink or use again"
  3. I decide that "not using" is all I need
  4. I try to force sobriety on others
  5. I become overconfident about my recovery
  6. I behave compulsively
  7. I overwork or under work
  8. I over talk or withdraw
  9. I start isolating myself
  10. I make unrealistic or haphazard plans
  11. I live in the "there and then"
  12. I start daydreaming of failure
  13. I view my problems as unsolvable
  14. I avoid having fun
  15. I over-analyze myself
  16. I become irritated by friends or family
  17. I am easily angered
  18. I begin blaming people, places, things and conditions for my problems
  19. I begin doubting my disease
  20. I eat irregularly (over or under eating, snacking)
  21. I have listless periods
  22. I sleep irregularly (oversleeping, under sleeping)
  23. I experience periods of deep depression
  24. I develop an " I don' t care" attitude
  25. I hoard money, sex or power
  26. I openly reject help
  27. I rationalize that drinking or using can' t make my life worse than it is now
  28. I feel sorry for myself
  29. I have fantasies of social drinking or using
  30. I begin to lie consciously
  31. I increase my use of aspirin or other non-prescription medications
  32. I am overwhelmed with loneliness, frustration, anger and tension
  33. I begin contacting or visiting my drinking or using "friends" and places
  34. I convince myself I' m cured
  35. I lose control
  36. I tell myself it's okay to deal
  37. I can use the money! It will be quick and easy



Rick Murphy, M.A.

Post Discussion

  1. Addict Lori October 11th, 2007

    My husband who has been sober for a year, left me two weeks ago for his crack addicted ex-wife. I did not see the signs and don't know what to do. Please help me.

  2. Addict helen November 21st, 2008

    I have recently relapsed after 11 months clean and am constantly fighting the urge to use or thinking of using,I feel that I have failed and want to isolate myself. Can anyone who has been through a relapse please give me some help.I attend regular NA meetings and have a sponsor however I am struggling. Thanking you in advance

  3. Addict jeff t March 24th, 2009

    I can totally relate to that. I feel as though im slipping back into using behavior after 3+ years of sobriety. I've been gambling, drinking caffeine excessively and behaving in a cocky fashion as of late. Whenever my old behaviors of insecurity return, i know im in for a long haul. To helen, if you are still around, stay around. It's worth it on the bad days and good days. I just want to stay sober!!

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Page Last Modified: 02/09/2012