Signs of a Drug Relapse
Family members are well advised to keep an eye out for signs of a drug relapse for the person who has been treated for drug abuse and has stopped taking drugs. It's useful to note that drug abuse can be the abuse of both illegal drugs and prescription drugs. Once a drug abuser has successfully broken the addiction and has stopped taking drugs, there will be times when the urge will be strong to start taking the drug again. While family members don't have to monitor the abuser constantly, they should be aware of the signs of a drug relapse and respond when those signs appear.
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The Facts
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Quitting a treatment program is a sign of drug relapse. Other signs include moodiness and irritability. Isolation, self-pity, the changing of clothing patterns to conceal needle injection sites and changes in appetite are signs of drug relapse. There may also be changes in sleeping behavior, changes in energy levels and personality, red eyes and dilated pupils.
Significance
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It's important that the signs of a drug relapse be spotted early before the relapse behavior of drug use develops into way of life. A single occurrence of a relapse can be effectively turned into an opportunity to stop the drug use. But if the signs are not spotted early and the drug abuser has returned to drug use as a way of life, the treatment can be much more difficult as the addiction must be broken again.
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Time Frame
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There is no clear time frame for when addiction has returned as opposed to the single occurrence of a relapse, but the sooner the relapse is recognized, the better the odds of preventing a return of the addiction. Also, the addiction patterns can vary between drugs. A drug such as cocaine is extremely addictive, and the addiction can return after a couple of relapse occurrences. In any event, once a relapse sign is spotted, immediate action should be taken to try to confirm a relapse has occurred.
Misconceptions
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A relapse sign does not automatically signify that a relapse has occurred. For example, teenagers can experience hormonal swings, which in turn can affect their personalities. They can experience increases in irritability. Also, teenagers can change clothing patterns based on peer pressure. While the sign of a relapse does not automatically mean a relapse has occurred, it should be taken seriously.
Considerations
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Family members and friends of former drug abusers should remember that they are trying to help the former drug abuser. Care should be taken in accusations that the drug abuser is taking drugs in order to ruin the lives of others. While that can be an effect, the drug abuser is taking the drug because of the addiction. A relapse should be seen as an opportunity to help the person who has suffered the relapse. Also, many drug abusers believe they can handle the drug in small doses and keep addiction at bay. It should be stressed to them how powerful a destructive force addiction can be.
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Resources
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