Relapse is a process, and there are many relapse symptoms and warning signs that precede actually picking up a drink or drug.

The relapse process ends when one actually starts drinking or drugging again; at that point it becomes a using episode. Relapse prevention is focusing on the thoughts, emotions and behaviors that occur prior to a using episode. Any of these seven topics unnoticed and not attended to, can lead to a destructive relapse.

1. Return Of Denial.

In entering recovery we had to face denial and work through it. It may have meant finally acknowledging a drug or alcohol problem existed, or that it was out of control. Somehow we arrived at the solution of stopping. When denial returns, sneaky thoughts come into play. The idea that it really wasn't so bad may become attractive. Blaming anything or anyone except the substance may come into play. Ideas like 'booze wasn't the problem, my job was', or 'The relationship was making me use, and we're better now, so one or two could not possibly hurt'.

2. Discontinuation Of Treatment Or Self-Help Groups.

There are many studies that support the idea that the longer you have exposure to treatment, the better the outcome. Many studies show that you are less likely to relapse with a strong support network. A question I ask every patient that returns to treatment after relapse is if they followed continuing care recommendations. In the vast majority of cases the answer is no.

3. Frustration

The most common frustration is that things are not moving along quickly enough. Many people impose an unrealistic time frame for themselves and those around them to change for the better. 'When am I going to be happy?' or 'When is this finally going to be over with'?

4. Easily Angered And Forming Resentments

A lot of the time frustration and escalate into anger and resentments. One way that frustrations form is when there is a belief that not enough is happening, and it is coming about too slowly. Anger and resentments have a direct relationship to our expectations. If people and things behave the way we think they should anger and resentment is generated.

5. Tendency Toward Loneliness And Isolation

I believe it to be entirely true that addiction thrives and grows in isolation and loneliness, and recovery occurs in establishing and maintaining connections. Without moving forward in recovery and addict or alcoholic will use; that's what we do. Recovery is best done with the help of others.

6. Self-pity

Common themes of self-pity are questions and resentments about why other people can use and we can't. It's not fair. There is an old saying, 'Poor me, poor me, pour me another drink'. I used to climb on the pity-pot when I realized I had to do all this work on feelings and emotions, honesty, and staying in the present moment, just to have a chance at being 'normal'. Heck, normal people were just normal, they didn't have to work on it like their life depended on it.

7. Impulsive And Compulsive Behavior

Moderation and accountability, I hate that. When we are on the relapse road, self-control and discipline can slide by the wayside. It usually starts with small breaches in promise you have made to yourself. This lack of follow through can lead to denial, dishonesty and a return to out of control behavior. It is dangerous to give into the 'I want what I want, when I want it' mentality.

These are just a few of the many identifiable warning signs and symptoms of relapse. There are many more you should become aware of to protect your recovery.