Symptoms Leading to Relapse
While we need to maintain the spiritual disciplines that ensure a victorious life in Christ. There are ways in which others can help us in our freedom from addiction. Nearly every person that is close to someone who has had a battle with addiction is able to easily recognize changes in attitude and behaviors that would indicate a return to the old ways of thinking. Often these individuals and those of our accountability group (Overcomers or Alcoholics Victorious) may have made attempts to warn the individual exhibiting these “old-life” patterns out of a genuine love and concern for the individual. Unfortunately, at this point, the individual may not be willing to listen to the concerns of those around him. He may view these concerns as “nagging” or a “violation of privacy.” There are many danger signs.
The good news is that, some individuals may be willing to go over a checklist of symptoms leading to relapse with a spouse or an accountability partner on a periodic basis. If some symptoms are recognized and dealt with biblically, the individual will usually try to change his thinking and get “back on track.” A weekly inventory of symptoms might prevent some relapses. This added discipline is one that many in recovery are willing to try. The following list is a compilation of common symptoms that lead an individual into the Danger Zone of a potential relapse. These areas of “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” are applicable to all that have dealt with and have found freedom from addiction.