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Relapse Symptoms Checklist
Uzma Mazhar
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.
- I start doubting my ability to stay clean/sober.
- I deny my fears.
- I adamantly convince myself that "I will never drink/use again."
- I decide being abstinent is all I need.
- I try to force sobriety upon others.
- I become overconfident about my recovery.
- I avoid talking about my problems and my recovery.
- I avoid my sponsor, or internally do the "yeah, but..." to what he/she says.
- I behave compulsively (overwork/underwork, overtalk/withdraw, etc.).
- I overreact to stressful situations.
- I start isolating myself.
- I become preoccupied with one area of my life.
- I start having minor depressions.
- I start unrealistic or haphazard planning.
- I live in the "there and then."
- I find my life plans begin to fail.
- I start idle daydreaming and wishful thinking.
- I view my problems as unsolvable.
- I long for happiness but don't know what it is.
- I avoid having fun.
- I overanalyze myself.
- I become irritated with friends/family.
- I experience periods of confusion.
- I am easily angered.
- I begin blaming people, places, things, and conditions for my problems.
- I begin doubting my disease.
- I eat irregularly (over/under eating, snacking, etc.)
- I have listless periods.
- I sleep irregularly (over/under sleeping).
- I progressively lose my daily routine.
- I experience periods of deep depression.
- I sporadically attend 12-Step or Aftercare meetings.
- I develop an "I don't care" attitude.
- I hoard money, sex, or power.
- I openly reject help.
- I develop aches and pains.
- I rationalize that drinking/using can't make my life worse than it is now.
- I feel powerless and helpless.
- I feel sorry for myself.
- I have fantasies about social drinking/using.
- I begin to lie consciously.
- I increase my use of aspirin/nonprescription medications.
- I completely lose confidence in myself.
- I develop unreasonable resentments.
- I stop attending 12-Step or Aftercare meetings.
- I am overwhelmed with loneliness, frustration, anger, and tension.
- I begin visiting drinking/using "friends" and places.
- I convince myself I'm cured.
- I make or experience a major life change.
- I start drinking/using a chemical that is not my drug/drink of choice.
- I practice controlled drinking/using.
- I lose control.
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!