10 Signs of Substance Abuse Relapse You Need To Know

What Does Drug Relapse Mean

During the battle of alcohol and drug addiction, a relapse means to return to the individual's substance of preference following a time of sobriety. A relapse can be especially traumatic, not just to the patient but for his or her family and friends as well, particularly after completing a course of rehabilitation. However, just as failure may be a prerequisite for long-term success, a relapse or even recurring relapses can be a regular element of recovery. Despite the potential for relapse, if you notice warning signs either in yourself or in a family member, immediate action must be taken to prevent any additional unfavorable consequences to the patient’s finances, career, family, friends and, most important of all, their health and wellbeing.

Warning Signs During Recovery

While a loved one is in the recovery process, there are many warning signs to watch for to prevent yourself or a loved one from falling off track. In some instances, certain warning signs will be clearly visible; however, others, are often hidden from plain sight so the addict can resume the cycle of addiction without alerting others to their decline of sobriety. Recent substance abusers are often ashamed of having relapsed, which only causes the situation to worsen. It’s your responsibility to closely monitor your loved one who’s in recovery, particularly during the early stages.

1. Theft or constantly borrowing money

Sudden and recurring demands to borrow money specifically cash is a clear indicator of money problems and financial irresponsibility, a typical behavior seen in substance abusers, as they prioritize satisfying their substance habit over long-term relationships, finances, and wellbeing. Unfortunately, the need to feed their addiction can also manifest itself in the form of thievery resulting in items missing from your home, including electronics, jewelry, furniture, clothing, etc.

2. Changes in physical appearance

Drug and alcohol abuse rapidly becomes the number one priority in the abuser’s life, taking a toll on healthy habits such as proper nutrition, hygiene, and appearance. These changes don’t only manifest themselves in the person's physical appearance, they often have an impact on his or her living space as well. Untidiness, dirty dishes, piles of laundry, excess trash, or a barren refrigerator are all signs that something is wrong.

3. Compulsive behavior

Sadly for some, getting addicted to substances and particular behaviors is a living component of who they are and how they identify. Regardless of whether they have managed to remain sober or not, any actions that grant them even the smallest amount of pleasure can ultimately dominate their daily life and become automatic even after they’ve stopped enjoying said activities.

4. Denial and defensiveness

Addressing a family member or friend about his or her secretive behavior that you presume is due to substance abuse can be one of the most difficult things that you ever do. What makes it even more challenging is his or her complete denial or defensive response towards your concerns. It is crucial to keep in mind that substance abusers oftentimes do not have their own best interests at heart and wouldn’t recognize help if it was staring them in the face.

5. Impulsive actions

Any hasty or illogical actions, particularly those that seem out of character or strange, are more likely than not to be caused by relapse or misuse of alcohol or drug abuse.

6. Mischaracterization of old habits

Any minimizing or glorifying of past substance abuse is a serious indicator that the patient is showing signs of significant disconnect from reality that may be caused by a recent return or relapse to drug or alcohol use after a period of sobriety.

7. Excuses for missed meetings, therapy, or outpatient programs

If you begin to notice a family member putting distance between themselves and their support system, including loved ones, friends, support groups, professional and medical help, this is a glaring sign they may have already relapsed or are going to do so very soon. Distancing behavior represents a breach between what the substance abuser knows is the correct path for them vs. what they would rather do instead, this is a trademark of substance abuse and should be seen as a dire warning sign and addressed immediately.

8. Associating or contacting old friends.

A necessary component for any recent substance abuser’s sobriety is to completely sever ties with old 'friends' that you may suspect are connected with alcohol or drug usage. All contact with these associates will not only increase the chance of a relapse but may also be an indicator that the relapse has already taken place.

9. Abrupt changes in mood

10. Unrealistic expectations

Achieving long-term recovery tips

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, keeping an eye on these 10 criteria will manage to keep relapse at bay for the most part. However, to achieve long-term recovery, maintaining a strong defense isn’t enough. You also must present a potent offense, including attending meetings for those recovering from your substance of choice, pursuing friendships with others at those meetings, and filling your extra time with healthy habits such as exercise, hobbies, and/or spending time with friends and family.

If you or someone you know is just getting started or is in the process of making a recovery from substance and/or drug abuse, the significant threat of relapse is still critical, RecoverMix can help. RecoverMix is designed to ease the healing process by helping you or a loved one find the care that best fits their needs by taking the stress off your shoulders and providing personalized recovery treatments that accept your health insurance. Get in touch when you’re ready to learn more.