Relapse Symptoms List

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.
 
1. I start doubting my ability to stay clean/sober.
2. I deny my fears.
3. I adamantly convince myself that "I'll never drink/use again."
4. I decide being abstinent is all I need.
5. I try to force sobriety upon others.
6. I become overconfident about my recovery.
7. I avoid talking about my problems and my recovery.
8. I avoid my sponsor, or internally do the "yeah, but..." to what he/she says.
9. I behave compulsively (overwork/underwork, overtalk/withdraw, etc.).
10. I overreact to stressful situations.
11. I start isolating myself.
12. I become preoccupied with one area of my life.
13. I start having minor depressions.
14. I start unrealistic or haphazard planning.
15. I live in the "there and then."
16. I find my life plans begin to fail.
17. I start idle daydreaming and wishful thinking.
18. I view my problems as unsolvable.
19. I long for happiness but don't know what it is.
20. I avoid having fun.
21. I overanalyze myself.
22. I become irritated with friends/family.
23. I experience periods of confusion.
24. I am easily angered.
25. I begin blaming people, places, things, and conditions for my problems.
26. I begin doubting my disease.
27. I eat irregularly (over/under eating, snacking, etc.)
28. I have listless periods.
29. I sleep irregularly (over/under sleeping).
30. I progressively lose my daily routine.
31. I experience periods of deep depression.
32. I sporadically attend 12-Step or Aftercare meetings.
33. I develop an "I don't care" attitude.
34. I hoard money, sex, or power.
35. I openly reject help.
36. I develop aches and pains.
37. I rationalize that drinking/using can't make my life worse than it is now.
38. I feel powerless and helpless.
39. I feel sorry for myself.
40. I have fantasies about social drinking/using.
41. I begin to lie consciously.
42. I increase my use of aspirin/nonprescription medications.
43. I completely lose confidence in myself.
44. I develop unreasonable resentments.
45. I stop attending 12-Step or Aftercare meetings.
46. I am overwhelmed with loneliness, frustration, anger, and tension.
47. I begin visiting drinking/using "friends" and places.
48. I convince myself I'm cured.
49. I make or experience a major life change.
50. I start drinking/using a chemical that is not my drug/drink of choice.
51. I practice controlled drinking/using.
52. I lose control.

Check yourself! 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!
 
Many of these relapse symptoms are also symptoms of depression or another phychological condition.  If these symptoms persist, dispite your best efforts to deal with them then you should consider seeking treatment for the underlying condition.  The truth is that if you are constantly depressed it will be extremely difficult to maintain sobriety.  Eventually, many return to their drug of choice as a means of treating these feelings of hopelessness and… It is infinitely better to get help!