Relapse – When Does It Begin?
Photo: http://www.ClarityWay.com
I was forwarded an interesting article about relapse today and it got me thinking… When does relapse begin? The article is here if you want to check it out: 7 Habits of an Addict About to Relapse. If you’re interested, read the article.
In my opinion, the first sign of someone in recovery about to relapse is Withdrawal or Isolation. I notice it is at the top of the list in this piece, and rightfully so. Withdrawing from meetings, friends, family and/or activities is a sign of bad things to come. Often, the addict may not realize he or she just turned down a dark part of their journey.
Reaching out at this point is not on the addict’s mind. What is on the addict’s mind is getting rid of whatever demons were left unchecked while doing step-work or trying to suffocate a new demon. If we are not working our 12 Step Program, we tread on dangerous ground each day.
The other sign I want to touch on is being secretive. Maybe the addict got in touch with some old friends they once partied with. Maybe they are not being honest with themselves or others about things. They start telling little while lies. They start making excuses to go to the store… a lot. They start hiding their cellphone or running into ‘long hours at work.’ Whatever the case, deception is classic. As someone in recovery, I still remember my deceptive ways when I tried to use people for anything I could before I got sober.
These are the three ways to keep in check:
- Clean House
- Trust God
- Help Others
Each day I work my program, get honest and help others, is a day I won’t pick up a drink or a drug.
Related articles
- Recovery, Relapse & Slips (whereistandblog.wordpress.com)
- What Is Relapse Into Addiction? (addictions.answers.com)
- With every relapse comes a lesson and with every lesson comes stronger recovery (juniperbaby.wordpress.com)
- Sometimes this journey sucks.. (ohhaiiitsbrandii.wordpress.com)
- Recovery Maintenance: Checklist for Keeping on Track (themiracleisaroundthecorner.wordpress.com)
Filed under: 2013, addiction, alcohol, alcoholic, alcoholism, Darlene Steelman, one day at a time, postaday2013, postaweek2013 Tagged: Addiction, God, Relapse, Substance Abuse, Twelve-Step Program
