In this stage, the addict isn’t thinking about using again, but there are many emotions that may be setting them up for relapse. Symptoms of emotional relapse:
- Anxiety
- Intolerance
- Anger
- Negative reactions to stressful events
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or other sleeping difficulties
- Changes in any behavior that isn’t healthy
- Loss of control
- Poor judgment
- Problems with work, social or family relationships
Since an addict often has used drugs or alcohol in the past to handle difficulties, reliving some of these emotions puts him or her at risk for relapse. It is important to manage whatever is going on that is causing any of the above symptoms.
One key thing to remember is that emotional highs can also bring about relapse. Using drugs or alcohol may be done for negative reasons as well as to “celebrate” positive events prior to recovery. The recovering person must remain very aware of this.
In the past, weddings, job promotions, or holidays may all have included use of alcohol or other substances. Having a trigger plan in place will help manage these happy emotional times that come along in the future.
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