Relapse often begins long before someone drinks, uses or returns to an addictive behaviour. This post explores the early warning signs we can easily miss — from denial and isolation to slipping routines, resentment and complacency — and how recognising these patterns sooner can give us more time, support and choice in recovery.

Once upon a time I was a chronic binge drinker. So let’s call it what it is – an alcoholic. It’s a cringey type of word that elicits images of piles of vodka bottles and day drinking. That’s not really my story, and it’s what kept me unwell for so long. I wasn’t a day drinker, I didn’t drink alone, and I didn’t drink every day, and that was enough to keep me in denial for many, many years. I went to treatment and accepted the fact that I had a problem with alcohol and my life