Relapse Symptoms List

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Relapse Symptoms List
A checklist of warning signs, in order of increasing severity. Remember, relapse is a process which leads to the use of a chemical, not the final event. Experiencing any one of these symptoms could indicate a person is in relapse.

1. I start doubting my ability to stay clean/sober.
2. I deny my fears.
3. I adamantly convince myself that "I'll never drink/use again."
4. I decide being abstinent is all I need.
5. I try to force sobriety upon others.
6. I become overconfident about my recovery.
7. I avoid talking about my problems and my recovery.
8. I avoid my sponsor, or internally do the "yeah, but..." to what he/she says.
9. I behave compulsively (overwork/underwork, overtalk/withdraw, etc.).
10. I overreact to stressful situations.
11. I start isolating myself.
12. I become preoccupied with one area of my life.
13. I start having minor depressions.
14. I start unrealistic or haphazard planning.
15. I live in the "there and then."
16. I find my life plans begin to fail.
17. I start idle daydreaming and wishful thinking.
18. I view my problems as unsolvable.
19. I long for happiness but don't know what it is.
20. I avoid having fun.
21. I overanalyze myself.
22. I become irritated with friends/family.
23. I experience periods of confusion.
24. I am easily angered.
25. I begin blaming people, places, things, and conditions for my problems.
26. I begin doubting my disease.
27. I eat irregularly (over/under eating, snacking, etc.)
28. I have listless periods.
29. I sleep irregularly (over/under sleeping).
30. I progressively lose my daily routine.
31. I experience periods of deep depression.
32. I sporadically attend 12-Step or Aftercare meetings.
33. I develop an "I don't care" attitude.
34. I hoard money, sex, or power.
35. I openly reject help.
36. I develop aches and pains.
37. I rationalize that drinking/using can't make my life worse than it is now.
38. I feel powerless and helpless.
39. I feel sorry for myself.
40. I have fantasies about social drinking/using.
41. I begin to lie consciously.
42. I increase my use of aspirin/nonprescription medications.
43. I completely lose confidence in myself.
44. I develop unreasonable resentments.
45. I stop attending 12-Step or Aftercare meetings.
46. I am overwhelmed with loneliness, frustration, anger, and tension.
47. I begin visiting drinking/using "friends" and places.
48. I convince myself I'm cured.
49. I make or experience a major life change.
50. I start drinking/using a chemical that is not my drug/drink of choice.
51. I practice controlled drinking/using.
52. I lose control.

Check yourself! If any of these apply to you, take ACTION! Call your sponsor, go to a meeting, pray, talk to somebody --- don't keep it a secret!
http://www.peak.org/~innercom/TxDocs/relapsympt.html