Warning signs vary
Common patterns may include isolation, reduced treatment engagement, changes in sleep/routine, increased cravings, contact with high-risk environments, secrecy or reduced use of coping skills.
A lapse is information, not a reason to abandon care
If substance use occurs, the next step is to assess safety, understand what happened and determine whether the treatment intensity or level of care should change.
What to recognize
- Skipping appointments or recovery activities
- Increasing cravings
- Return to high-risk people or places
- Reduced honesty with supports
- Growing hopelessness or 'nothing will help' thinking
Practical next steps
- Review the relapse-prevention plan early
- Contact the treatment/recovery team
- Strengthen structure and support
- Reassess access to substances and high-risk situations
- Seek medical assessment if withdrawal or other medical risk is present
When professional assessment may help
Professional review is appropriate when warning signs are accumulating, relapse has occurred or the current treatment plan no longer seems sufficient.
Overdose, severe withdrawal, seizure, delirium, acute medical instability or immediate psychiatric danger requires emergency/hospital care.
Related Therapy House services
Educational notice: This article provides general education and is not a diagnosis, individualized treatment plan, medication instruction or emergency service.