You have a sinking feeling that your loved one might be using again—or, might be on the road to using again. They've started acting differently, but you aren't sure if it is a sign that they are about to relapse or not.

Below are 10 common signs to let you know whether that sinking feeling might be justified.

1. Increased moodiness or depression. Have you noticed that your loved has been moody lately? Do they snap at you or seem to change moods quickly? Does your love one seem sad or hopeless? Or are they experiencing a lot of anger?
2. Increased argumentativeness. Has your loved one been arguing with you more often? Do they seem to pick fights or get angry about small things?
3. Cutting-back or quitting attendance at support groups such as AA or NA. Did your loved one once attend meetings faithfully after becoming sober, but now justifies not attending? Have you noticed a decrease in the amount of contact they have with the friends they made through AA or NA?
4. Entering into high-risk situations. Has your loved one been frequenting locations where they used to drink or use substances? Do they justify being in these locations by saying that they are now sober and can handle being around alcohol or drugs?
5. Increased signs of stress. Have you noticed that your loved one is smoking or eating more often? Do they seem stressed about finances or family issues but are not talking about them?
6. Becoming more negative about life. Has your loved one started making statements that all the work they have done toward sobriety has been pointless? Do they say that they wish they had never become sober?

7. Feeling that a special occasion justifies using. Does your loved one feel that they “deserve” a drink because they got a promotion or found a job? Do they talk about using to help celebrate their friend's milestone birthday?
8. Substituting one drug for another. For example, have they given up cocaine, but they continue to use marijuana or alcohol? Or they have given up alcohol, but continue to use prescription pain medication?
9. Overconfidence about sobriety. Does your loved one feel that they have been “cured” because they have not used substances in 6 months? Are they overconfident that they have fully recovered and no longer need to work for sobriety?
10. Preoccupation with alcohol or drugs. Does your loved one talk about the “glory days” when they used substances? Do they seek out stories about friends who are not in recovery to hear about their drug or alcohol use?

All of these signs put your loved one at an increased risk for a relapse. The more signs they have, the more likely that they will start using again. The good news is that watching for warning signs and intervening before something happens can prevent a relapse. Also, if they already have relapsed, discussing changes in their behavior may also prevent the relapse from getting worse. Talk with your loved one about the changes you are noticing, and let them know why you are concerned. They may just need increased support from their sober support network or a few sessions with their drug and alcohol therapist to get back on track. See also:

• Home Drug Testing Kits: Should You Try Them?
• Who Becomes an Addict?
• Why They Just Can’t Stop