Symptoms which can lead to relapse

·         EXHAUSTION: Be careful not to wear yourself out. You may feel that you want to make up for all the time you have lost, but remember that good health and enough rest are important. Being worn out makes you feel unwell and is more likely to make you think that you need drugs.

·         DISHONESTY: Dishonesty and addiction go hand in hand. Lies are told to friends, family, partners and employers. You will probably find that you even lied to yourself. Try to be honest as much as possible, especially with yourself. Don’t make excuses for things you don’t want to do or know you should be doing, deal with things head on.

·         IMPATIENCE: You may find that you become quite impatient. You have taken the first steps towards your new clean life, but things aren’t happening fast enough for you. Remember that you have been through a major ordeal and that your life is just beginning. Take small steps and don’t rush yourself too much.

·         ARGUMENTATIVENESS: Try to see other people’s point of view and don’t argue over small, silly things. It will take a while for people to trust you again. Don’t get into arguments with people, try to calmly make them understand your point of view and at the same time, try to understand theirs.

·         DEPRESSION: Many people get depressed after they get clean. Your old life is behind you, along with associates and habits you had. It can take time to get used to your new life. Take things slowly and speak to people about your feelings. If you feel that you aren’t getting any better, try talking to a professional who is familiar with depression after addiction.

·         FRUSTRATION: You may feel frustrated because things aren’t going your way. Remember everything is not going to be just the way you want it. You must develop new coping skills to cope with frustration.

·         SELF-PITY: Try not to wallow in self-pity over why you got addicted, are you a bad person, etc. Addiction can happen to anyone. Remember that you have had the courage to get clean and that is something to be proud of. Think of the positive things you have done in life, not the negative.

·         COCKINESS: Don’t take the attitude that just because you got clean, you will never be an addict again. Relapse is a huge part of addiction and if you aren’t careful, it could happen to you. Always be aware of your status as an ex-addict and don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can have some occasionally, or keep it under control.

·         COMPLACENCY: As above, don’t get too full of yourself and think that you are beyond relapse. Constant awareness of your thoughts, feelings, vulnerabilities and environment are essential. Keep in mind how easy it is to be back where you started.

·         EXPECTING TOO MUCH FROM OTHERS: Remember that your family and friends have been through quite an ordeal with you. It will take time to earn their trust again, as they don’t want to get their hopes up too soon, after they have been let down so many times in the past. They will trust you in time, just keep proving yourself.

·         USE OF MOOD ALTERING CHEMICALS: Try to avoid contact with other drugs, even prescribed ones. You may not have had a problem in the past with these substances but it is easy enough to get one. They may also make you miss your drug of choice more and end up turning back to it.

·         “IT CAN’T HAPPEN TO ME.”: Be aware that it can happen to you, just like it can happen to anyone else. You are at more risk of relapse if you think this way.