The "F – A – S – T – E – R" Dry Relapse Pattern

Many people think a relapse happens in an instant and that it is just an impulse that over comes us

and we can’t help ourselves or can’t see it coming, in most cases that is not true and there are many factors and stressors that lead up to the actual event of taking that drug or the first drink.

I have seen it firsthand and have learned to watch for the big signs and then begin to watch for smaller ones.  The big signs are attitude, isolation and outburst etc.  There are others, which have been judged by some to be accurate predictors, and they call these clues “dry relapse symptoms”.  They say that if you use a tool call the Faster Scale you can see the behaviors in yourself which could lead to a relapse.

The F – A – S – T – E – R   Dry Relapse Pattern

“F” = Forget Priorities (Denial; flight; a change in what’s important; how you spend your time and thoughts.)

Secrets; bored; less time/energy for God, meetings, and church; avoiding support and accountability towards people; superficial conversations; sarcasm; isolating yourself; changes in goals, flirting; obsessed with relationships; breaking promises/commitments; neglecting family; preoccupation with materials things, television, or entertainment; procrastination; lying, overconfidence, hiding money.

“A” = Anxiety (Getting energy from emotions.)

Worry; using profanity; being fearful; being resentful; replaying old, negative thoughts; perfectionism; judging others’ motives; making goals and lists you can’t complete; poor planning; mind reading; fantasy; masturbation; pornography; co-dependent rescuing; sleep problems; trouble concentrating; seeking/creating drama; gossip; using over-the-counter medication for pain, sleep, and weight control.

 “S” = Speeding Up (Out-running depression.)

Super busy; workaholic; can’t relax; driving too fast; avoiding slowing down; feeling driven; in a hurry; can’t turn off thoughts; skipping meals; binge eating (usually at night); overspending; can’t identify own feelings/needs; repetitive, negative thoughts; irritable; making excuses for “having to do it all”; dramatic mood swings; lust; too much caffeine; over exercising; nervousness; difficulty being alone or with people; difficulty listening to others; avoiding support.

“T” = Ticked-Off (Getting high on anger; aggression.)

Procrastination causing crises in money, work, or relationships; sarcasm; black and white, all or nothing thinking; feeling alone; feeling that no one understands; overreacting; road rage; constant resentments; pushing others away; increased isolation, blaming; self-pity; arguing; irrationality, can’t handle criticism; defensive; people are avoiding you; having to be right; digestive problems; headaches; obsessive (stuck) thoughts; can’t forgive; feeling grandiose (superior); intimidation; feeling aggressive.

“E” = Exhausted (Out of gas; depression)

Depressed; panicked; confused; hopelessness; sleeping too much or too little; can’t cope; overwhelmed; crying for “no reason”; can’t think; forgetful; pessimistic; helpless; tired; numb; wanting to run; constant cravings for old coping behaviors, thinking of using sex, drugs, or alcohol; seeking old unhealthy people & places; really isolating; people angry with you; self-abuse; suicidal thoughts; spontaneous crying; no goals; survival mode; not returning phone calls; missing work, irritability; no appetite. Exhausted then leads to:

“R” = Relapse

Returning to the place you swore you would never go again. Giving up; giving in; out of control; lost in your addiction; lying to yourself and others; feeling you just can’t manage without your coping behavior, at least for now. The result is usually shame, condemnation, guilt and aloneness. Each one of these go into details on what each

Now you may not agree with these same predictors, but I assure you there are predictors.  Any

addict being honest and of clear mind with tell you they began to have thoughts days or even weeks before they actually relapsed.  They begin to think about the past, how they felt, and even fanaticize or justifying why one time won’t hurt anyone and no one would know.  Just one… there is not just one for an addict. There is a saying 1 is too many and a 100 is not enough.  I first heard this from one of my dad’s drinking buddies when I was about nine and had no idea back then what it meant. 

Here is the problem with the faster scale;

1. You have to be aware of the faster scale

2. You have to actively work the faster scale

3. You must be willing to take corrective action

If you are missing just one of these three the scale breaks down and becomes useless. 

If those around use could hear our thoughts and understand our words, they could use it to help us to stay on track.  But they can’t and they aren’t with us 24/7 so what do you do.  Is there an option, is there a tool addicts, families and counselors could use to spot these and similar triggers.

Yes, there is and this tool was developed by Edge Consulting and is designed to support, not replace, the role of the counselors, family/friends and the addict themselves, play in the addict’s recovery.

Life Connect does this through a simple to use application, which can be used to capture all of the little pieces we all miss every day.  How do we do this?  Well, that is much more complex, but the simple explanation is they use a set of tools to help addicts capture their thoughts, feeling and emotion and reflect those back to them and those around them.  This enables you to see your progress or even those subtle regresses we all have ever day.

Imagine if by doing a few simple things each day you could start to see a clear picture of where you have been and where you are headed.  You can!

We use a few simple tools many of us already use every day in this new world of how we connect and communicate to those around us.

•        Circle of Trust (community) / Secure Sharing

•        Journaling

•        Goal Setting

•        Communication

•        Accountability

•        Gamification

•        Emergency touch

Life Connect has put these tools in one place, in your pocket, with the addiction of Guidance through Predictive Analysis to put the control of addiction back where it belongs, in the hands of the addict.  Because one thing has always been true, your recovery depends on you, and no amount of wishing can change this fact.  So, we have put the tools in the hands that matters the most and provide you with the support of those who care for you the most.