THE PHASES AND SYMPTOMS OF RELAPSE
BY T. GORSKI AND M. MILLER
Phase 1: Internal Changes
1. Increased stress
2. Changes in thinking
3. Changes in feeling (euphoria/depression)
4. Changes in behavior
Phase IV: Crisis Building
1. Tunnel vision
2. Minor depression
3. Loss of constructive planning
4. Failure of plans
Phase VII: Depression
1. Irregular eating habits
2. Lack of desire to take action
3. Difficulty sleeping restfully
4. Loss of daily structure
5. Periods of deep depression
Phase X: Option reduction
1. Unreasonable resentments
2. Discontinue all treatment and
meetings
3. Overwhelming loneliness, frustration,
anger, and tension
4. Loss of behavioral control
Phase II: Denial
1. Worry
2. Denial of worry
Phase V: Immobilization
1. Daydreaming and wishful
thinking
2. Feeling overwhelmed
3. Immature wish to be happy
Phase VIII: Behavioral loss of control
1. Irregular attendance at meetings
and treatment
2. I don’t care attitude
3. Reject help
4. Dissatisfaction with life
Phase XI: Alcohol and drug use
1. Attempting controlled use
2. Disappointment, shame, guilt
3. Loss of control
4. Life and health problems
Phase III: Avoidance and Defensiveness
1. Belief-I’ll never use again
2. Worry about others, not self
3. Defensiveness
4. Compulsiveness
5. Impulsiveness
6. Loneliness
Phase VI: Confusion and Overreaction
1. Difficulty thinking clearly
2. Difficulty managing emotions
3. Difficulty remembering
4. Periods of confusion
5. Difficulty in managing stress
6. Irritation with others
7. Easily angered
Phase IX: Recognition of loss of control
1. Difficulty with physical
coordination and accidents
2. Self-pity
3. Thoughts of social use
4. Conscious lying
5. Complete loss of self-confidence