Relapse doesn’t mean a person failed. In fact, like with other chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, relapse is quite common. 
And like with other diseases, a successful recovery from meth addiction is possible. Relapse rates for methamphetamine are some of the highest of all drugs. Should a person start taking meth again, spotting, the red flags of relapse can help a person or their loved ones find the best treatment program for their needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth, reach out to Vertava Health’s meth rehab center. Call 844.470.0410 to learn more about the signs of meth relapse.
The Signs of Meth Relapse
Relapse typically doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s a gradual process as a person moves away from a recovery mindset.
Relapse, as most people think, is when a person actively starts using meth again. Relapse frequently starts weeks and even months before a person returns to using meth.
During this time, meth relapse symptoms typically take part in three phases:
Emotional Relapse
In this stage, a person is not actively thinking about taking meth. However, they may be in denial. Handling emotions in an unhealthy way and being isolated from a support network frequently happens at this time.
Signs of emotional relapse include:
- Keeping emotions pent up
- Quitting meetings
- Not sharing at meetings
- Focusing on other people instead of self
Mental Relapse
During a mental relapse, a person fights thoughts about using the drug. As this stage progresses, their ability to fight these feelings decreases, and the desire to escape becomes more frequent.
Signs of a mental relapse include:
- Cravings for meth
- Thinking about people, places, or things that are tied to drug use
- Glamorizing or minimizing the consequences of past use
- Bargaining
- Lying
- Thinking of ways to control drug use
- Looking for opportunities to use
- Planning the relapse
Physical Relapse
Physical relapse is sometimes divided into two parts: a lapse, or using the drug once, and relapse when use becomes uncontrolled. A physical relapse often begins because a person believes they have an opportunity to use the drug without getting caught.
Once a person lapses and uses the drug once, they may get caught up in obsessive or uncontrollable thoughts about taking meth. These thoughts frequently lead to compulsive use.
Warning Signs of a Meth Relapse
The sooner a person recognizes these signs, the better their chance of successfully avoiding or recovering from relapse and returning to a stable recovery.
As relapse accelerates, a person’s behaviors and daily routines can rapidly shift to accommodate frequent episodes of drug use. At this time, they might exhibit the following red flags of meth relapse:
Acting Secretive
When people start using drugs again, they will likely go to great lengths to hide it. People may act evasive and give vague responses when asked about plans or people they hang out with. They might also become very protective about their personal space.
Changes in Behavior
Before and during a relapse, a person’s behavior and day-to-day routines can radically change. At first, this shift might be gradual, but as drug use becomes more frequent, a person may act in unpredictable and uncharacteristic ways.
Mood Changes
Meth can cause mood swings and mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia. A person’s shame for relapsing may also contribute to a low mood.
Ignoring Self-Care
Healthy habits of self-care are a critical part of a balanced recovery. Ignoring these habits can be a significant sign of substance use. A person may not eat or sleep well. They may also look unkempt and unclean as they fail to bathe, wear clean clothes, or brush their teeth.
Defensiveness
If a person has started using meth again, they may become inappropriately upset or defensive when questioned about their drug use.
Denial
If a person is experiencing large amounts of stress, temptation, or feeling weak in their recovery, they may try to act as if everyone is okay. If a loved one addresses these situations, a person may be dismissive about their concerns.
New Circle of Friends
Pushing close friends and family members away is a common sign of drug use. At this time, a person may adopt new friends or start hanging out with people who use or sell meth. They might also take up with old friends with whom they previously used the drug.
Paraphernalia
Meth requires equipment, or paraphernalia, to use it. A person may have a glass pipe, aluminum foil, needles or syringes, and cut straws or hollowed-out pens. Finding any of these can be a major sign of meth relapse.
Meth Relapse Symptoms
When a person starts using meth again, they will commonly exhibit physical and mental signs of use, including:
- Anxiety
- Dilated pupils
- Energy surges
- Increased breathing rate
- Jaw clenching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
- Poor appetite
- Sleeplessness
- Skin sores
- Talkativeness
- Tremors
- Unpredictable behavior
Meth is commonly used in binges or back-to-back doses. Because of this, a person may not eat or sleep for long periods of time.
Meth Relapse Prevention
Research has found that enrolling in additional treatment or taking part in a self-help group after rehab can strengthen abstinence.
Learning how to anticipate and cope with relapse triggers can help a person avoid triggering situations and stay strong in the face of temptation should they encounter one.
The following tips can also help a person stay focused on their recovery:
- Learn from it – Instead of viewing a lapse as a failure, it can be beneficial to look at it as a learning experience. Trying to determine when, how, and why a lapse happened can give a person insight to avoid a trigger in the future. It can also help them build an action plan in case they reencounter these circumstances.
- Create a relapse prevention plan – The best drug rehab programs help their clients create personalized relapse prevention plans during treatment, however, like other parts of recovery, this plan can change over time.
- Identify high-risk situations – Identifying and avoiding places or events that a person associates with meth use can help them to avoid environmental relapse triggers.
- Build a strong support network – People with strong support networks often have better success both within and after treatment. Forming positive and meaningful relationships can help keep a person inspired and focused on their recovery goals. It also provides a great source of accountability. Peer support or self-help groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, can be great resources at this time.
- Stress-reduction techniques – Stress is one of the biggest triggers of relapse. The stress of daily life can become intense, especially for a person newly in recovery. Stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, can help a person handle stress healthily and productively.
- Aftercare programs – The first year of recovery can be the most trying for many people. Taking part in an aftercare program can be highly beneficial and protective at this time. Remaining active in recovery beyond this period is critical as well.
The best drug rehab centers offer aftercare support to their treatment graduates. Many communities have accessible aftercare resources as well, like self-help groups or therapy.
Discover Meth Relapse Prevent Techniques at Vertava Health
Enrolling in treatment after a relapse gives a person a great opportunity to reconnect to the recovery community. It also gives them a chance to develop coping skills that address the unique circumstances of their life. While relapse can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Long-lasting recovery from meth addiction is possible. Contact Vertava Health today at 844.470.0410 for more information on meth relapse and treatment options.
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