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What Are The Signs Of Addiction Relapse?

February 26, 2024

Have you found yourself less focused on your substance recovery? Are you skipping support group sessions from time to time? Have you reverted back to previous habits? You could be on the way to addiction relapse. Although relapse is not surprising for people who have been through addiction treatment near Toms River, it can put you in danger. 

But, if you are aware of the signs of addiction relapse, you are more likely to keep yourself or a person you care about out of harm’s way and on the path of sobriety.

Addiction Relapse Usually Takes Place In Phases

The signs of relapse near Toms River typically appear in three different phases. Find out what they are and what you could experience in them.

Emotional Relapse

At this initial phase, you aren’t actively thinking about using but could experience one or more triggers that lead to detrimental thoughts. You may lack focus on your recovery and replace support group meetings with former coping mechanisms. These self-defeating patterns can lead to mood changes, depression, or anxiety. Self-care behaviors such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and working out might fade. 

Mental Relapse

After the emotional stage, you might conciously consider using within mental relapse. You might become nostalgic for your former lifestyle without considering the pain and hardship it generated. You may even muse about consuming drugs or alcohol as a means of coping. There’s often an internal conflict as part of you wishes to resume using while the other wishes to stay on the sober path.

As the mental relapse gets stronger, you could begin to rationalize why you consume alcohol or drugs. You might also start thinking about ways to get addictive substances. You might even start to develop cravings for drugs or alcohol, most notably during moments of high stress.

Physical Relapse

At this point, relapse is in effect, and you are going back to your former routines of substance use. Previous habits come back, and the cycle of using may resume.  Relationships might be more volatile|, as relapse can produce additional feelings of guilt and anger. Based on how long you’ve been in relapse and your dosage levels, you might need to detox again or reenter inpatient rehab near Toms River.

Don’t Disregard The Early Signs of Relapse

You aren’t likely to get out of bed one morning and opt to begin using again. Typically, slow changes in your way of thinking or behavior indicate a relapse may be near. A few of the early signs of relapse include:

  • Missing therapy sessions or group meetings.
  • Recovery is no longer a focus in your life
  • Feeling sentimental about substance use and how it made you feel
  • Negative emotions like irritation and anger become more prevalent, and you have difficulty governing them.

If you’ve noticed yourself losing sight of your recovery, it’s time to take a closer look at your addiction therapy to see if modifications or a new type of support is required.

Does An Addiction Relapse Near Toms River Signify Recovery Has Failed?

Similar to other chronic medical illnesses, relapse is always a possibility in drug and alcohol addiction. Around 40-60% of individuals will suffer a relapse, even though the rate is elevated during the first year. Addiction recovery is a process. Regrettably, relapse might be an aspect of it. It’s a good time to review your plan of medical care and make changes to help you refocus. Addiction relapse does not imply your recovery failed.

Relapse Is Fairly Normal But Also Unsafe

Although relapse is common, it’s crucial to understand the hazards involved. There’s an elevated chance of overdose if you return to using substances at your past levels. Your system has acclimated to a life of sobriety and might have problems managing an unexpected inpouring of substances. This scenario can be hazardous and potentially life-endangering, especially for drugs like opiates. Get help if you notice signs of relapse to keep yourself or someone you care about safe.

Want Help For Addiction Relapse In Toms River? Reach Out To Evolve Recovery Center Toms River Today

Do you have worries about addiction relapse in Toms River? Evolve Recovery Center Toms River is available for you no matter your location on the recovery journey. Contact 732-629-9672 24-7 to obtain the support you require for enduring sobriety.