Relapse prevention is a term common to alcohol and addiction recovery that emphasizes an ability of the recovering person to prevent substance use through using healthy actions when faced with stress or triggers. Relapse is a process of recovery, not an end to recovery. In fact, RelapsePrevention.com reports that 90 percent of those having an alcohol problem experience at least one relapse following treatment. When it comes to staying sober, there are warning signs of potential relapse that can be managed when the recovering person recognizes the signs. There are cues or warnings of relapse on an emotional, mental and physical level.
Emotional Signs
Emotional warning signs consist of feeling an abnormal range of emotions, often described as mood swings. A person might display a quick temper, irritability, increased anxiety, defensiveness and isolation from normal activities. It is common for a person to be unaware of the mood shifts when experiencing emotional relapse signs; however, recognition of the range of mood changes can be a significant asset in preventing a pending slip with substances. Often, when the emotional signs are not recognized, this can lead to a mental war of the mind.
Mental Signs
Mental warning signs involve an internal battle within the self of wanting to use alcohol and trying to convince the self of why not to use alcohol. Initially, this is idle fantasy or reminiscence of the times when alcohol was used, but it can lead to consistent thoughts about engaging in alcohol use. During mental relapse, a person might glamorize past alcohol use, seek old companions that still use alcohol, fantasize regularly about alcohol and plan ways to drink minimally without getting caught. The mental battle is highly dangerous, as it can lead a person to actually taking the steps toward relapse, while disregarding his recovery program that has aided in sobriety.
Physical Signs
Physical warning signs involve getting closer to actual alcohol use, as well as having a biological response to the mental battle signs. Biological signs include an increased heart rate, tension, sweating and anxiety when near alcohol or a place where alcohol might be present. According to the Mayo Clinic, an unconscious coping defense can occur during recovery that interferes with maintaining sobriety. This is called denial, and it is prominent as a physical warning sign toward relapse. When the recovering person is faced with stress and cannot manage the emotional and mental burdens of the stressors, it can be common to rationalize, avoid and minimize the stress. However, ultimately, this leads to stronger urges toward alcohol use, rather than a cessation of urges. When denial is present, seeking support and guidance are less a priority over actually seeking alcohol.
