By: Samia Herrera

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, those recovering from any type of addiction usually have at least one relapse. Since addiction is a chronic condition, relapse is possible regardless of how long a patient has abstained from substance abuse. That's why, when a person relapses, it can be difficult to get back on track to recovery. As a result, sustaining sobriety is frequently an everyday challenge for someone struggling with an addiction. Although the possibility of relapse is always present, recognizing the warning signs that might indicate a relapse can assist in avoiding it. Therefore, friends and family must be informed on what to watch for as possible triggers for relapse in order to help persons in recovery. In this article, you'll find 6 signs a loved one has relapsed.

What Triggers Relapse?

Before we get into those 6 signs a loved one has relapsed, let's talk about what triggers it.

Several factors might cause a person to relapse. The most typical trigger is depression. Depression and substance abuse are frequently associated. People suffering from depression often utilize drugs to alleviate their emotional distress. Furthermore, substance misuse can frequently lead to depression, initiating a vicious cycle of drug use and subsequent depression.

According to European Neuropsychopharmacology, studies indicate that individuals who have taken drugs to relieve stress in the past are more likely to do so again when new stressors emerge. This would imply that someone in recovery may be prone to relapse owing to a high degree of stress in their lives. That's why stress management is crucial. 

Another factor that contributes to relapse is exhaustion. Sleep deprivation frequently leads to self-neglect, which might make a person more sensitive to relapse. Recovery is a daily effort that necessitates a focus on healthy living. When someone is tired and unable to use all of their wits, they are less likely to use the techniques they acquired in treatment.

Furthermore, isolation can also be a relapse trigger. A strong support network is essential for long-term recovery. This might include spending time with supportive loved ones, going to therapy on a regular basis, or joining peer support or a 12-Step program. Isolating oneself from these support options might increase one's chance of relapse.

We suggest that you recommend that your loved one move in with you to prevent this feeling of loneliness and isolation. This way, they will have 24/7 support and someone to lean on. In addition, you'll keep an eye on any other changes in their behavior. So, if your loved one decides to move in with you, make sure to make this relocation process stress-free for them. Experts from Worldwide Moving Systems suggest hiring movers that will handle everything from packing and loading to unloading and unpacking. This way, the person in recovery won't feel as stressed. 

6 Signs a Loved One Has Relapsed

Now that you learned what can cause relapse for a person in recovery let's see which signs will let you know the person is about to relapse. Since relapse is hard for both people in recovery and their loved ones, it's important to recognize the following signs in order to prevent upcoming disasters.

Sudden Mood Swings

Entering rehabilitation may be both thrilling and terrifying. If your loved one recently became sober, they may have noticed a significant change in their mood. Recovery permits a sense of hope to emerge in people's lives after a period of active addiction. However, being in recovery does not ensure that they will always be happy. Everyone's mood fluctuates from day to day. And, in the absence of substance, the human mind reverts to the ebb and flow of emotions throughout the day. However, if your loved one has suddenly developed a sense of despair, anger, melancholy, or anxiety, they may be experiencing a relapse.

Changed Priorities

When people enter recovery, they may tend to connect with a new group of people. They could hang out with sober pals and go to rehabilitation meetings. If your loved one abruptly discontinues their recovery program, this might be an indication of a relapse. Canceling therapy sessions, missing treatment meetings, and distancing themselves from sober friends are all potential indicators that they are getting off track. You may express that you've noticed a difference and provide an open ear for guidance and support.

Defensive Attitude

Approaching a loved one or acquaintance about secretive behavior you believe is connected to substance misuse might be one of the most difficult things you will ever do. What complicates the situation even more is their obvious denial or defensiveness toward your worries. Keep in mind that people in recovery frequently do not have their own best interests at heart and would not recognize assistance if it was right in front of them. Therefore, if you notice a defensive attitude, it's one of the first signs your loved one has relapsed.

Glorification of Past

Another symptom of relapse is minimizing or extolling the past. This might be expressed as "I wasn't really that horrible," or "My problem wasn't alcohol, so I can probably drink safely now." You can also hear them saying, "But I used to have so much fun when I wasn't making trouble." These words diminish the seriousness of this person's substance abuse background. While some people only have a problem with one substance, additional drugs might lead them into enticing and dangerous circumstances that can end in relapse.

Financial Struggles

If your loved one begins to fall behind on payments or other financial obligations, this might be an indication of relapse. They may fall behind on their rent or need a loan. If you notice you're missing money or valuables from your house, your loved one may be in the midst of a relapse. Unfortunately, they will do anything to get ahold of the substance they crave, even steal from their family and friends to get money for the said substance. In a situation like this, you'll have to approach the person in recovery with a lot of tactics and calmness. You can't accuse them or make them feel bad about what they've done. What you need to do is show support and let them know you understand what they're going through.

Reconnecting with former friends

Cutting ties with previous friends and acquaintances linked with alcohol or drug use is a vital aspect of any former substance abuser's rehabilitation. Reconnecting with any of these people not only raises the chance of relapse but might also suggest that a relapse has already occurred. Therefore, keep your eyes wide open for this type of behavior when it comes to your loved one that is in recovery.

Wrapping it up

Seeing your loved one relapse is extremely hard. In a situation like this, it's challenging to make the right move. You don't know how to approach the person in recovery and the whole situation. That's why we gave you signs a loved one has relapsed. Being able to recognize these signs will provide you with the power to avoid some more significant issues and even prevent a full relapse. Therefore, keep these signs in mind if your loved one is going through recovery right now.

By: Samia Herrera