Relapse is always a possibility for anyone in recovery. No one is above it. Part of relapse prevention is understanding what to look for and having a plan if you start to notice any of these changes creeping up. Twelve questions that someone in recovery should ask themselves regularly as part of their relapse prevention plan are:
- Are you experiencing minor depression?
- Do you find yourself acting out in other ways? Examples can include eating more or less than usual, excessive shopping, or gambling.
- Have you stopped communicating with others in your recovery network?
- Are you isolating? Some say the worst thing someone in recovery can do is spend too much time alone.
- Have you stopped going to meetings, or are you becoming resentful of others in meetings when you do go?
- Are you becoming complacent, thinking that you no longer have to take action to protect your sobriety?
- Do you think about getting high or drunk more often?
- Are you telling or thinking about your “war” stories more often than normal?
- Have you started to have thoughts that maybe you are capable of drinking like a “normal” person?
- Is your overall attitude changing — does recovery not seem as important to you as it used to?
- Have you stopped expanding your spiritual connection?
- Have you stopped praying and meditating?
