Changes worth noticing
- Withdrawing from supportive people or recovery activities.
- Returning to people, places, or routines closely connected with prior use.
- Increasing secrecy, isolation, or sudden changes in daily habits.
- Speaking as if the risks of past use no longer apply.
- A major increase in stress without healthy support or coping tools.
How to respond
Ask what is happening without claiming to know the answer. Encourage the person to contact a treatment professional, recovery coach, sponsor, support group, or another trusted person in their recovery network.
Make an opioid safety plan
After a period of reduced or stopped opioid use, tolerance may be lower and overdose risk can be especially serious. Keep naloxone nearby, learn the signs of overdose, and call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected.
A setback does not erase progress
Returning to use can be dangerous and deserves a prompt response, but it does not mean that treatment or recovery has failed. Reconnecting with care quickly can help protect life and support the next step forward.