SteveK

Relapse is usually caused by a combinations of factors. Some possible factors and warning signs might be:

Warning Signs
Stopping medications on one’s own or against the advice of medical professionals

Hanging around old drinking haunts and drug using friends – slippery places

Isolating – not attending meetings – not using the telephone for support

Keeping alcohol, drugs, and paraphernalia around the house for any reason

Obsessive thinking about using drugs or drinking

Failing to follow ones treatment plan – quitting therapy – skipping doctors appointments

Feeling overconfident – that you no longer need support

Relationship difficulties – ongoing serious conflicts – a spouse who still uses

Setting unrealistic goals – perfectionism – being too hard on ourselves

Changes in eating and sleeping patterns, personal hygiene, or energy levels

Feeling overwhelmed – confused – useless – stressed out

Constant boredom – irritability – lack of routine and structure in life

Sudden changes in psychiatric symptoms

Dwelling on resentments and past hurts – anger – unresolved conflicts

Avoidance – refusing to deal with personal issues and other problems of daily living

Engaging in obsessive behaviors – workaholism – gambling – sexual excess and acting out

Major life changes – loss – grief – trauma – painful emotions – winning the lottery

Ignoring relapse warning signs and triggers

Bard

Ignoring relapse warning signs and triggers

That's probably the most important one to remember. Just being alive and going through life there's going to be up's and downs no matter what. So anything could trigger a relapse.

Sometimes the worse for me is when I'm feeling my best, the weather outside is perfect, and I got a whole day to do whatever I want is when I get my worse triggers. Just isn't reserved for bad and difficult times.

CarolD

Each time I returned to drinking....at least 2 of the
elements of H.A.L.T. were present.

Sooo.....don't allow yourself to become too
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired

bovinePieBear

The trouble with that list is that it justabout describes my entire day-to-day life. Although, I guess that's why I haven't made it to "recovery" yet.

IO Storm

I just had a near miss...

And identified six on the list.

Already corrected two. I have some work to do!

Thanks Steve.

tellus

Yikes, I identify with seven or eight of those.