Debbie

I wanted to post this in a separate thread because I think it is helpful

This information is from:

<a href="http://www.nevadarecoveryguide.com/warning_signs.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nevadarecoveryguide.com/warning_signs.htm</a>

WARNING SIGNS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE & RELAPSE

Substance Abuse Signals

Drinks or take drugs on a regular basis

Have to drink or use more to get drunk or high

Drinks and drives

Lies about how much they are using

Thinks they have to drink or use to have fun

Avoids others to drink or get high

Loses interest in regular activities

Avoids non-using friends and family

Isolates

Uses alone

Has unprotected sex

Avoids responsibilities

Loses interest in school or work

Calls in sick too often

Hides alcohol and drugs

Makes plans around drinking or using

Persuades others to drink or use

Has blackouts and can’t remember previous events

Promiscuous behavior

Experiences outbursts of rage

Becomes depressed or even suicidal

Let’s appearance go down hill

Has no enthusiasm

Doesn’t care about anyone or anything except getting drunk or high

Always talking or glamorizing about drinking and drugging

Steals money

Shoplifts

Getting in trouble with the law

Gets in trouble at school

Gets into fights

Suspension from school for an alcohol- or other drug-related incident

Doesn’t show respect

Constantly lies and shows disrespect

Won’t attend functions where they can’t drink or drug

Relapse Warning Signals

Apprehension about well being - lacks confidence in ability to remain sober

Denial - reactivation of denial system in daily life without knowing it

Adamant commitment to sobriety - convinces self that he will never drink again

Compulsive attempts to impose sobriety on others - focuses on others, not self

Defensiveness

Compulsive behavior

Impulsive behavior

Tendencies toward loneliness

Tunnel vision - tend to view your life in isolated fragments

Minor depression

Loss of constructive planning

Plans begin to fail

Idle daydreaming and wishful thinking

Feeling that nothing can be solved

Immature wish to be happy

Periods of confusion

Irritation with Friends

Easily angered

Irregular eating habits

Listlessness

Irregular sleeping habits

Progressive loss of daily structure

Periods of deep depression

Irregular attendance at treatment meetings

Development of an “I don’t care’ attitude

Open rejection of help

Dissatisfaction with life

Feelings of powerlessness and helplessness

Self-pity

Thoughts of social drinking

Conscious lying

Complete loss of self-confidence

Unreasonable resentments

Discontinues all treatment

Overwhelming loneliness, frustration, anger and tension

Start controlled drinking

Loss of control

Remember: Relapse begins long before you take the first drink, pill or fix. Sobriety is not just drinking or using, but working a Program.

Ann

Barbiedeb,

Thank you so much for this. It took me so long to recognize the signs with my son. Today, they are like traffic lights, "stop" "caution" "go".

Debbie

Hey Angel Ann

I see so many of these in my A, I wish I would have found this long ago.

Hope you are having a good day!!

Many hugs.
Love,
Debbie