More Signs and Symptoms of Relapse

We are continuing with signs and symptoms of relapse.


COCKINESS:
Having the attitude of “having it made”, got it made, - no longer fear the addiction- going into dicey situations just to prove you have no problem. Do this often enough and well as I like to say “run with the wolves long enough and you will howl”.


COMPLACENCY;
“drinking/using was the farthest thing from my mind” Not drinking or using was also no longer a conscious thought. It becomes very dangerous to let up on your program, because things are going well. Always need to remember why your here. Many relapses happen when things are going well. This is when we can let down on our defences, a little like unconscious cockiness.


EXPECTING TOO MUCH FROM OTHERS:
“I’ve changed why haven’t they?” it is a bonus if others change as well. However more than likely they won’t or at least not yet. They still may not trust you yet; you cannot expect others to change just because you have. We have deceived others for so long it is going to take a lot of time to regain even a measure of the trust we have destroyed.


PRESCRIPTIONS:
This can be a very tricky one; this is why it is strongly advised that your doctor is fully aware of your drug and/or alcohol history as well as a doctor that is fully educated in addiction and recovery. Too many doctors will readily hand out prescriptions that can trigger our addiction, Again a doctor fully educated in addiction and recovery is a very high priority. Also if you really need t a prescription, inform your support system so they are there to assist you and help you monitor the situation and your use.


TUNNEL VISION:
You may tend to view your life in isolated fragments. You may focus exclusively on one area pre-occupy yourself with it, to the detriment of other areas, avoiding the other areas. Sometimes pre occupation may be with a positive aspect giving the false impression that everything is great. Or possibly the reverse pre-occupied with a negative aspect creating a victim persona which confirms you are helpless and being treated unfairly. Being fully concentrated on the front door leaves the back door unattended. Recovery is about balance in all areas of our lives. Many a relapse has occurred to being unbalanced.


CUTTING DOWN ON MEETINGS:
Many an alcoholic/addict has started to feel a little better, only to cut down on their meeting attendance only to find themselves relapsing. In the first 2-3 years you have a statistically better chance of remaining clean and sober if attending a minimum of three meetings per week. Actually a 66% better chance.


NOT USING YOUR SUPPRT SYSTEM:
This is your barometer of recovery. You created it for a reason. Even the best support system in the world is useless if not used. This is also part of complacency, cockiness. An attitude that you are better than and an attitude of “cured”. Let your support system do the job it was created for, it may perhaps need to be retuned as you grow. Use it; many relapses have occurred because of going it alone.


Remember God does not create garbage.