Relapse Self-Test

What is Relapse?

Relapse is defined as returning to a specific behavior after a period of abstinence (stopping), that particular behavior.

• Relapse does not come on suddenly and without warning, it is a process over time.
• Staying clean/sober is not recovery, working a program is.
• Relapse cannot be avoided by sheer willpower or self-discipline.

If you can relate to the warning signals found above, or if you find yourself using the "Relapse Danger Words" listed below, you are in a relapse stage.The severity of your stage of relapse will depend on how many of the behaviors listed above you're now experiencing.

Relapse is a complicated problem.It is something that has numerous warning signs and many plans of attack, but without help and a serious commitment on your part, it will win and you will lose.

Avoiding fun, overanalyzing yourself, blaming other people, too much or too little sleep, or trying to make a major life change in the first year of your sobriety, are all danger signs that you are entering into an area that may take you somewhere you don't want to go.

RELAPSE DANGER WORDS:

Relapse can be avoided. You will have to be honest, open and willing to deal directly with each symptom as it appears. Without help, it is too much for us. Recovery is a process that gives us the choice of life or death. Addiction leaves us no choice but death...