Relapse Warning Signs

Welcome back!!......The last lesson we looked at the first three phases of the relapse warning signs. This lesson takes up from there, we will be starting with Phase IV, hopefully by the time you complete these lessons, you will have gained a good knowledge of how to deal with relapse.

The statistics are scary, According to Terrance Gorsky PHD; the numbers run in thirds, i.e. one third makes it the first time, the next third may have a few goes at it and the final third....the relapse prone may relapse for the remainder of their lives.

With the numbers at around 67% that don't make it the first time, ask yourself.....why is this? Well for one without a proper relapse prevention education, the necessary tools are missing.... a person does not know how to properly identify or relate to what is happening to them.

This is where we the counselor's can make a difference....education and training to prevent this relapse. On the other side of this page I continue with Pase IV of this process.

Let's take a look now.............

RELAPSE WARNING SIGNS OF RECOVERY

Let's take a look at where we left off: Phase IV of the Relapse Warning Signs.

Phase IV:Crisis Building.......

1.Tunnel Vision:Can't see the big picture; focus on details; can't see related parts; small problems get blown out of proportion.

2.Minor Depression: Feel listless; empty; oversleep; get busy so they don't have to talk or face own feelings.

3.Loss of Constructive Planning: Little attention to reality or details; more wishful thinking.

4.Plans Begin to Fail:Don't follow through; problems with work; social; marriage; money.

Phase V:Immobilization........

1.Daydreaming and wishful thinking.

2.Feelings that nothing can be solved.

3.Immature wish to be happy.

Phase VI:Confusion and Overreaction.......

1.Periods of confusion: Become more frequent; last longer; cause problems; feel angry with self for not doing better.

2.Irritation with Friends: Relations with friends become strained; feel threatened when changes in their behavior are pointed out to them; feel guilty and remorseful.

3.Easily Angered: Frustrated easily; resentful and irritable for no good reason; fear of overreacting.

Phase VII:Depression.......

1.Irregular Eating Habits: Overeat or undereat; junk food.

2.Lack of Desire to Act: Feel trapped; apathetic.

3.Can't Sleep: Irregular patterns; sleep for days, then not at all.

4.Interuption in Daily Routine: Become haphazard; no structure today; forget appointments; too much to do at times; nothing to do at times.

5.Periods of Deep Depression: Feel down more often; lasts longer; interferes with living; others notice; isolate; complain nobody understands what they are going through.

PhaseVIII:Behavioral Loss of Control.........

1.Stop AA meetings or Aftercare: Excuses to justify abscence; other things more important.

2.I Don't Care Attitude: Growing lack of self care; self respect; and self confidence.

3.Reject Help: Withdraw and avoid others; make others angry to drive them away.

4.Dissatisfied with Life: Why not use again; things can't get worse.

5.Powerlessness and Helplessness: Can't do anything right; no way out.

Phase IX: Recognize Loss of Control.........

1.Self Pity: Feel sorry for self; attention getting from friends.

2.Thoughts about Drinking and Using: Want to feel better; think they can control use; better than suicide or going crazy; looks like sane alternative.

3.Conscious Lying: Know they are lying; denying and excusing; but cannot interrupt.

4.Completely Lose Self Confidence: Trapped and overwhelmed; cannot think clearly; believe they are incompetent.

PhaseX:Limited Options..........

1.Unreasonable Anger: At self and others.

2.Stops All Treatments:

3.Overwhelming Loneliness: Frustration; anger; tension; no way out except to drink or drug.

4.Loss of Control: Thoughts; feelings; actions irrational; loss of health; job; control; etc.

PhaseXI: Return to Addictive Use: Physical and Emotional Collapse.....

1.Controlled Use: Believe using a "little" is okay; no other choice.

2.Shame and Guilt: Self judgement; done something wrong; I'm defective; relapse "proves it"; they are worthless; might as well die an active user.

3.Loss of Control: Use increases to loss of control.

4.Life and Health Problems: Lose jobs; marriages; health; friends; etc......Treatment only option left.

I truly hope you have found this material useful, drop me a note and give some feedback......see you on the "Happy Road To Destiny"

Edward Renwall, LCDC,ARPS,PER

erenwall@iname.com
Houston, TX
United States

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this page updated 03/25/2004