How to Spot Behaviors That can Lead to Relapse

Behaviors that lead to relapse can be difficult to spot. Some are more internal than external. How do you know when someone you love is on the road to relapse? Or even yourself? Maintaining recovery from addiction can be a struggle for anyone. Knowing what behaviors to look for to identify when someone is on the verge of relapse can be vital to preventing the action from occurring. Understanding what can be done to prevent relapse can also be crucial to curbing its occurrence.

What is Recovery?

Recovery from addiction is the process someone goes through in order to resume living a normal life without using drugs and/or alcohol. A person who is dependent on substances generally has life interruptions where these substances become priority, and normally important things like family, friends, careers, and having a productive life fall to the wayside. Recovery also provides a space to improve mental and spiritual health along with the physical portion of addiction.

What is Relapse?

During recovery, the addiction has been essentially subdued. When behaviors that lead to relapse take over, it can cause someone to act on the thoughts and feelings of using drugs and alcohol to get them through a rough patch. Relapse is when someone who is suffering from a disease, such as addiction, has a set back in improvement from the symptoms associated with the disease. In easier terms, a relapse is when someone who has stopped using drugs or alcohol begins using again.

Stages of Relapse

Way before someone actually picks up drugs or alcohol, they can exhibit behaviors that could be warning signs. This does not mean that someone cannot have a weak moment and begin using again. However, watching out for the behaviors that can signify relapse helps to stop it from happening. So what are the stages of relapse? Well, relapse can be broken down into three general phases, emotional, mental, and physical.

Emotional Relapse

Emotional relapse occurs when someone has experienced relapse in the past, and continues to beat themselves up over the things that occurred as a result. They generally are not thinking about using, however the thoughts and feelings associated with reliving the relapse are setting the path for relapse occurring again. The behaviors that lead to relapse generally begin when someone allows the negativity to enter into their thoughts.

Mental Relapse

Mental relapse is when someone has an internal struggle, and they begin fighting their own thoughts. At this point, someone is probably going back and forth between thoughts of using and thoughts of staying clean and sober.

Physical Relapse

This is the final stage of relapse, and occurs when someone picks up the substances again and begins using. Once someone begins using again after any length of recovery from addiction, it can prove to be extremely difficult to control their use or stop using. Meaning that one drink can lead to uncontrollable drinking once again.

Risk Factors and Signs of Relapse

Behaviors that lead to relapse generally have associated risk factors and signs that can vary from person to person. There are some general behaviors that can be seen as signs of relapse. Again, these signs aren’t one size fits all and any or all of them can show up in one person.

Isolation: a person on the verge of relapse could begin to withdraw from enjoyable activities as well as family and friends.
Unmanaged Stress: learning stress management can be one of the most important tools someone can learn to help prevent relapse.
Reassociation: this means that the person may have returned to previous people, places, and things they were associated with while using.
Doubt: doubting the recovery process can be one of the more prominent behaviors that lead to relapse. Thinking that recovery isn’t possible can lead someone to relapse quicker than most other signs.
Depression: showing signs of depression and changes in mood can be a sign of impending relapse due to the chances of isolation and the negative thoughts intruding and someone thinking self medicating with drugs and alcohol is better than feeling what they are feeling.

How to Help Prevent Relapse

There are ways to prevent relapse, regardless of the stage someone may be in. Having a plan in place to combat the thoughts and feelings that generally lead to using again can be pivotal for someone struggling to maintain sobriety. Therapy, both individual and group, can help someone immensely when they are plagued with the thoughts of using drugs and alcohol.

Ongoing Recovery Support in Atlanta

If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts or using, or have begun using drugs and alcohol again, there is help and there is hope to make it through. Here at Empowered Recovery Center, we aim to provide the best care for anyone who needs help. Our team of professionals is versed in all facets of addiction so we can help you during recovery.

Our Atlanta rehab facility offers our patients free recovery support after you have completed treatment to help keep you on track. To learn more about our Atlanta addiction treatment programs, contact our rehab admissions team. Our team of professionals can help you understand the treatment process and answer any questions you may have about the costs of rehab or using your insurance to pay for rehab.

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   Jacob 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great group of people with their heart in the game. ERC helped me out tremendously after a relapse.
  
 
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   Ryan Blei 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Empowered Recovery Center has truly been a life-changing experience for me. I entered the program last June and remained in treatment for a full year. Throughout that time, I experienced a level of care, compassion, and professionalism that sets this facility apart. My first meeting was with Rob, the Director of Operations. From day one, he made me feel welcome, helped me get settled in, and clearly explained what to expect from the program. Whenever I needed assistance, Rob consistently went above and beyond to make sure I had the support I needed. I was also incredibly fortunate to work with my therapist, Christine. She was exceptional in helping me process my emotions and identify the underlying issues that contributed to my addiction. Beyond our therapy sessions, she was always willing to listen, offer guidance, and provide support whenever I was struggling with personal challenges. The group therapy sessions were outstanding. The facilitators created an environment where everyone felt heard while keeping discussions productive, focused, and meaningful. Their guidance played a significant role in my recovery journey. Having been to treatment approximately ten times over the years, I can honestly say that Empowered stands out as one of the best recovery facilities I have ever attended. The genuine care, dedication, and commitment the staff have for their clients are evident every single day. I want to give a special thank you to Michael, Daniel, and Al. Their groups were incredibly impactful, and their passion for recovery and helping those still struggling with addiction is truly inspiring. They are committed to carrying the message of hope to anyone seeking recovery. Thank you, Empowered, for everything you've done for me. Your support has made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for the role you played in my recovery journey
  
 
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   Denise Adams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was at a crossroads seven months ago.  Thank my HIGHER POWER I chose the road that lead me to Empower. Had it not been for the staff,  Robert, Cody, Chandler ( my "Group Alarm Clock LOL, Emily (my group McGuyver lmao), Autumn, my Nurse Kelly, and my fellow " Groupies"/Ant, Liz, Kenny, Ray Kayla,  Gretchen and the rest, I don't know where I'd be.
  
 
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   Gibson Ide 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From first hand experience Empowered is an amazingly run facility. Staff members that are passionate about being helpful and useful to all clients and residence. They provide a strong and safe structure for those seeking helping with treatment and overall growth towards being a better human being! THANK YOU EMPOWERED!
  
 
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   Ivan Mosley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful place. Great counsolers and therapists. I really leaned a lot at this program, and feel like it really set me up to thrive out in the world. Everyone there, including other clients, helped me through a family tragedy. I still stop by every now and again. I would recommend this place to anyone who is coming out of an inpatient treatment center looking for a long term IOP program.
  
 
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   Jessica Cain 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Empowered Recovery Center truly changed my life. When I came through the doors, I was in one of the darkest places I’d ever been. The staff met me with compassion, encouragement, and accountability every step of the way. The program gave me the tools, support, and confidence I needed to build a strong foundation for recovery. I never felt like just another client. I felt genuinely cared for by people who wanted to see me succeed long after I graduated. Today, I’m proud to say I’m 280 days sober, and I know Empowered Recovery Center played a huge role in helping me get here. Recovery isn’t easy, but having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. I will always be grateful to everyone at Empowered Recovery Center for believing in me when I needed it most. If you’re considering getting help for yourself or a loved one, I can’t recommend them enough. Choosing this program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
  
 
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   Lexi Baker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Empowered focuses on care and growth and by far lived up to their name. Everyone I have seen come out of this program has been empowered to continue the practices they learn here. I love the community and the people who make this facility a safe space.
  
 
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   Yvonne Key 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For Dylan - the work that is done here not only saves lives, but saves families. Thank you for everything you do.
  
 
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   Lacia Dyer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a great experience! From inpatient to outpatient. We did a lot of group therapy and a lot of 1 on 1. I would highly recommend. The passion to get better is there with Enpower if you want the help! Time flies when you are actually doing the work and getting to the root of what put you there in the first place! Thankyou to all the staff! Miss you all very much! With love - Lay Lay (: