Relapse Prevention

Addressing the Issue of Relapse

*If you are in relapse or contemplating relapse, you can call our treatment center at anytime for support at:
(1-800-864-3009) 0r 715-362-5745.

In early recovery, one of the biggest issues is one that is often surrounded by misinformation. An example is the belief that exterior things in life cause relapse, such as: having or losing a home; having or losing a job; having or losing money; etc.

Another example is the reaction from others when someone has a relapse. There are those who then avoid that person, even when they are back in their meetings. People do this because they fear the relapse rubbing off on them or the relapsed individual influencing them. Both of these examples are damaging to our relations with others and quality of life. The most detrimental is when we get off track on the road of misinformation, we are then in the greatest danger of relapse.

Below you will find some helpful information in working with new alumni and for yourself as you trudge the road to recovery.

The first question we must ask is, "Are we really placing recovery first?" (or) "Does our recovery depend on other circumstances, people or places?"

THE MOST COMMOM WAY TO RELAPSE IS TO DO NOTHING.

Making excuses for missing Aftercare and meetings leads to Stinking Thinking.

THE FOLLOWING LIST OF SELF-SYMPTOMS, OR ACTIONS OR LACK THERE OF, CAN LEAD TO A RELAPSE:

PHYSICAL / MENTAL

1. Irregular and unhealthy eating habits

2. Irregular and inconsistent sleeping habits

3. Lack of energy and motivation

4. Overwhelming craving for a drink or use of a drug

5. Sweats, shakes and nausea

6. Hyperactivity and restlessness

7. Frequent pains, including headaches

8. Rapid heartbeat, anxiety attacks, poor concentration,
confusion, poor coordination

EMOTIONAL

1. Doubting yourself or a lack of confidence in ability to stay sober

2. Denial – “I can just do one.”

3. Extreme thinking and overconfidence – “I will never use again!”

4. Defensive attitude

5. Compulsive behavior

6. Impulsive behavior

7. Living an unbalanced life – tunnel vision – taking on too much (for example, all work and no fun)

8. Depression

9. Daydreaming - wishful thinking

10. An attitude of everything going my way

11. Immature desire to be happy with out working for it

12. Hot tempered - angry

13. Careless – I don’t care attitude

14. Hate - resentments

15. Self- pity – “poor me”

16. Too hard on yourself – no self forgiveness

17. Dissatisfaction with life

18. Feeling of helplessness, powerlessness

19. Dishonesty - lying

20. Loss of or even a lack of self confidence

21. Overly sensitive and easily frustrated

22. Overwhelming feelings of guilt and remorse

INTERPERSONAL

1. Attempts to force or control another person’s sobriety

2. Going on 12 step calls too soon or alone

3. Loneliness and isolation

4. Irritation with friends and family

5. Open rejection of help

6. Loss of or lack of humility – “I am better than or less than they are.”

7. The attitude of “I don’t care” and “They do not care”

8. Blaming others or projecting

SITUATIONAL/ENVIORNMENTAL

1. Lack of realistic or constructive planning

2. Poor planning, lack of following through, or lack of attention to details

3. High expectations of others and self

4. Doing nothing because you feel nothing can be solved

5. Taking on too much at once

6. Loss of or lack of daily routine and structure

7. Slacking on meetings or irregular attendance

8. Stopping treatment

9. Believing we are cured

10. Excuses for inappropriate or irresponsible behaviors

11. Ignoring mental health problems

SPIRITUAL

1. Not attending church, temple, synagoge etc. – if you were a member before

2. Not enough prayer

3. Lack of improvement in relationship with higher power

4. Thinking we can recover alone

5. Attitude of holier than thou

Relapse is an outcome. It is not just an occurance.

The addict is planning the next relapse by doing nothing.

Recovery is contingent upon the actions we take. We have to go to any lengths for our recovery, this includes writing a thorough fourth step, and then taking an honest fifth step. We can recover and maintain sobriety if we follow simple directions.

RELAPSE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1. What if an Alumni Member tells me that they want to or they are about to use?

First, find out if they have used or drank in the past 30 to 60 days. Next, get them to a meeting. Be willing to sponsor them or get them the phone number of someone who can. Recommend that they get a sponsor immediately. Place action where they have been lacking. Tell them that they are not alone and share your own experience with them on what your early recovery was like and what it’s like now. Let them know that they can call The Koinonia Treatment Facility at anytime at 800-864-3009, or they can connect with someone on this web site who can offer support and direction.

2. What if I am about to relapse?

Same as above

3. What do I do if an Alumni Member tells me that they are currently using?

If an alumnus tells you that they are currently in relapse and you are perhaps at the KOINONIA Treatment Center for a meeting, it would be best to take them to the treatment office, so that they can speak with a member of the staff who can evaluate them and assist them in making the best decision they need to at that moment. If however you are not at the facility, you should have them call, (or you could call with them), the treatment center number at (800-846-3009) or 715-362-5745 to speak to a member of the staff and begin the process of receiving help.

**If they can not get help that day, take them to or meet them at a meeting and help them get tied back in to the recovery community.**

4. What do I do if I am currently in relapse?

Same as above

5. How can I help someone to get into treatment? 

Call the KOINONIA Residential Treatment Facility at 800-846-3009 or 715-362-5745.

6. How can I get back into treatment?

Call the KOINONIA Residential Treatment Facility at 800-846-3009 or 715-362-5745.