How to Recognize the Danger Signs of Relapse: Part 1 of 12

When kids are incorrigible, we like to say, "Eh. It's only a phase."

Relapse back to alcohol is only a phase, too, but not one we are likely to grow out of without help. When I relapsed, I grew into it and phased my way through an open sewer. I crawled out of the muck and now count myself among the lucky ones. You, your family, your friends also can be counted among the lucky if you recognize the 11 phases of relapse and do something to end the descent.

Terrance T. Gorski, co-author of Staying Sober, identified the 11 phases in the book I have cited here before (https://www.amazon.com/Terence-T.-Gorski/e/B001JSA9K8). I can't just skim over them in a blog post, and to deal with all in one day would be too much to digest at once.

Instead, I will dangle this teaser in front of you. Today, I will name all 11 phases of alcohol relapse. Then for the next 11 days, I will detail each for you. I hope you will find the series helpful enough to review again and again -- at once or in pieces. You can checkmark symptoms of the 11 phases to see if you or a loved one is in danger of relapsing.

Gorski's research involved 118 recovering patients who had four things in common:

1. They completed a 21- or 28-day rehab program;
2. They recognized they could never again safely use alcohol;
3. They intended to remain sober forever through A.A. and outpatient counseling;
4. They had eventually relapsed to drinking despite 1-3.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Relapse

Phase 1: Internal change

Phase 2: Denial

Phase 3: Avoidance and defensiveness

Phase 4: Crisis building

Phase 5: Immobilization

Phase 6: Confusion and overreaction

Phase 7: Depression

Phase 8: Behavioral loss of control

Phase 9: Recognition of loss of control

Phase 10: Option reduction

Phase 11: Alcohol use

Tune in tomorrow to learn what Gorski means by "internal change."