If your loved one is a recovering addict, you may have been there during their darkest days and watched, feeling helpless.
You may have seen them hit rock bottom or even helped them find an addiction treatment center to help them recover. If not, you may have been lucky enough to just know them as a sober individual. Whether you were there through it all or not, addiction is a lifelong struggle that requires consistent self-care and consideration to maintain. Banyan Treatment Centers Chicago looks at common signs of relapse in a loved one and how you should respond to such a situation.
Why Do People Relapse?
Addiction relapse can happen for any number of reasons. It is estimated that as many as 40% to 60% of people recovering from substance abuse disorders will relapse at some point in their life.1 If the recovering addict is experiencing an especially challenging time in their life, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or a recent traumatic experience, they may resort back to drugs or alcohol to help them cope.
Stress is another big reason drug addicts relapse, but the truth is that drug triggers can come from anywhere. If recovering addicts encounter past places, people, or things that remind them of their drug habits, they may develop a drug craving that they just cannot shake. The result could be a relapse.
Signs and Symptoms of Relapse
At our Illinois drug rehab, we know all too well that addiction is a disease and a lifelong struggle. Unfortunately, for many recovering addicts, this struggle may include a relapse. If your loved one is a recovering addict, you should be aware of these signs of relapse so that you can recognize and address a problem before it gets much worse.
Relapse warning signs include:
- Secretive behavior – If your loved one starts lying to you or being deceitful, there is a good chance that they are doing so to hide their relapse.
- Questionable behavior – Programs like our PHP in Chicago create a strict schedule for patients and promote self-improvement. The longer someone is outside of rehab, the harder it can be for them to maintain this growth on their own. As a result, they may start slipping into some bad habits that will make a relapse more likely.
- Making excuses – If a recovering addict starts to slip back into unhealthy habits, they may make excuses as the truth is much harder to face.
- Money problems – It takes a lot of money to fund an addiction. If you notice your loved one’s spending habits have increased or they are suddenly having money issues, a relapse could be the source.
- Neglecting responsibilities – When a recovering addict skips work and addiction meetings or neglects their duties at home, it may be because they are too preoccupied with drugs or alcohol.
- Social withdrawal – Your friend or loved one may be feeling ashamed for having relapsed and could be avoiding you. It is important to reach out to them if you suspect this to be the case.
- Mood and behavior changes: A relapse can be accompanied by various mood and behavioral changes, such as odd sleep habits, abnormal eating, and mood swings. If your gut tells you that your loved one has been acting strange, it may be because of a relapse.
These warning signs of relapse can be hard to accept, especially for those who have experienced the damage of their loved one’s addiction firsthand. Still, choosing to ignore them can lead to even worse consequences in the end. What is important to remember is that you and your loved one do not have to face this obstacle alone. Our rehab in Chicago is ready and waiting to help you overcome this situation.
What to Do if Your Loved One Is Showing Signs of Relapse
If your loved one is showing signs of relapse, it is important to get professional help immediately. If you wait too long, the addiction could spiral out of control again. Our Chicago relapse program is designed to stabilize recovering addicts after a relapse. We also place a great deal of attention on helping our patients build a stable support network while in recovery, which they can lean on even when treatment has concluded.
If your loved one is showing signs of a relapse or needs first-time treatment, get them help today at our Chicago addiction treatment center by calling us at 888-280-4763. They will thank you one day.
Source:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
Related Reading
