Relapse is an ongoing threat to anyone who suffers from drug or alcohol addiction. Even if you are in long-term recovery where you are working to rebuild your life and health, there may be instances where you feel at risk. You may think about drugs or may have a hard time managing your stress. These are instances in which you need to take action. The warning signs of relapse can be hard to spot, but they warrant calling for immediate help. Crestview Recovery is there to support you during this process and help you become aware of the warning signs of relapse.
Signs of Relapse
Do you think you see the warning signs of relapse in your loved one? Are you unsure if you need help with your own addiction? It is always best to reach out for help to get addiction treatment services in Portland. With available drug rehab aftercare, you should always have someone to call to help you. Here are some of the most common warning signs of relapse:
Denial of a Problem
Some people who are at risk for relapse will start talking about drugs and alcohol again. They may feel that they have overcome their challenge, and they are no longer at risk. They may even think they are healed since they attended rehab. This is a misconception since there is no cure for addiction. It is something that, unfortunately, you will have to battle for the rest of your life. You will constantly have to choose sobriety. Some people may even deny that they have a problem after treatment.
Defensive Behavior
In some situations, a person may become defensive about their addiction. They may start worrying more about what other people think (and need) rather than themselves. They may even start believing they are so secure in their treatment they are not worried about relapse. Being defensive like this can be an indication that someone is struggling.
Mental Health Disorders
Many people will need dual diagnosis treatment during addiction treatment. This is a type of mental health addiction treatment plan that addresses conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. During recovery, they may be at risk for reusing of these symptoms of these disorders begin to show up. This means their mental health is at risk, and they may feel the need to use drugs or alcohol to manage it.
Change in Behavior
Many people find themselves changing during recovery. However, negative behaviors are concerning, such as:
- Driving recklessly
- Being more willing to engage in risky stunts
- Engaging in sex with multiple people
- Not caring about the consequences of actions
- Acting out in a way not characteristic
When impulsive behavior like this happens, it can signal high stress. That can be an indication a person needs additional help.
When You Need Help
When a person has the warning signs of relapse, getting help is important. Treatment options may include residential treatment, but more often than not, treatment may be enough to help a person to manage and avoid relapse risks. Some types of treatment that we offer at Crestview Recovery include:
- Partial hospitalization treatment (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Traditional outpatient treatment
Our treatment programs work for you because they are designed for you. We work with you to find the best form of treatment that will help you achieve lifelong recovery.
Call Crestview Recovery
The warning signs of relapse are never something to overlook. If you see them in yourself or a loved one, contact Crestview Recovery today at 866.262.0531 to get help. Our team can provide you with fast, reliable support to help you start on the path of wellbeing and to avoid relapse.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
