Relapse is not just a event, it's a process.

Relapse Symptoms

1) Exhaustion- Allowing oneself to become overly tired, usually associated with work addictions an excuse for not facing frustrations.

2) Dishonesty- begins with a pattern of little lies; escalated to self delusion and making excuses for not doing what’s called for.

3) Impatience- I want what I want NOW. Others aren’t doing what I think they should or living the way I know is right.

4) Argumentative- No point is too small or insignificant not to be debated to the point of anger and submission.

5) Depression-All unreasonable, unaccountable despair should be exposed and discussed, not repressed: what is the “Exact Nature” of those feelings.

6) Frustration- Controlled anger / resentment when things don’t go according to our plans. A lack of acceptance. See #3

7) Self- Pity- Feeling victimized, put upon, used , unappreciated: convinced we are being singled out for bad luck.

8) Cockiness – Got it made. Know all there is to know. Can go anywhere , including frequent visits just to hang out at places that allow drinking or drug use.

9) Complacency – Like #8 no longer see’s the value of a daily program, contact with other alcoholics\ addicts, feels healthy, on top of the world, things are going well. Heck may even be cured !!

10) Expecting too much of others – Why can’t they read my mind? I’ve changed, whats holding them up ? If they just do what I know is best for them? Leads to feeling misunderstood, unappreciated. See #6

11) Letting up on disciplines – Allowing established habits of recovery slip out of our routines, allowing recovery to get boring and no longer stimulating for growth. Why bother?

12) Wanting too much – Setting unrealistic goals: not providing for short term successes: placing too much value on material success, not enough on value of spiritual growth.

13) Forgetting Gratitude – Because of several listed above, may lose sight of abundant blessings in our life today.

14) “It can’t happen to me” Feeling immune; forgetting what we know about the addiction and it’s progressive nature.

15) Omnipotence – A combination of several attitudes listed above ; leads to ignoring danger signs. Disregarding warnings and advice from fellow members.

[dominosarah]

This is a very good thread Sophie, thanks for sharing this~~

[littlebit667]

would this be a good one to add to the health pages??

[dominosarah]

I believe it would be.  

[ang_811]

Thnks Sophie.... I agree put this n the health pages.

[Ann2497]

Thanks for sharing.  Good post.

[dominosarah]

bump

[gnarly_1]

Great post if you look for the sighs you can often nip it in the bud if you see yourself falling into a pattern often a spouse is a good indicator also those around us often see the change first thanks for sharing Sophie......Gnarly

[gnarly_1]

Great post if you look for the sighs you can often nip it in the bud if you see yourself falling into a pattern often a spouse is a good indicator also those around us often see the change first thanks for sharing Sophie......Gnarly

[laurel453]

Great, great post...hope it is at the health pages soon !

[133113]

Wow this really hit home, especially (1)(2)(3)(5) and (13).  I need to continue to read this on a daily basis to remind myself