Recovery from addiction is a process that often demands as much attention to detail as it does to commitment. Many people in recovery find that there’s more to relapse than the moment they pick up a drink or drug again. There’s a stage before that, known as “prelapse,” where subtle changes in mindset and routine start to set the stage for a potential relapse. By catching prelapse indicators early, it’s possible to prevent a full relapse from happening.
What is Prelapse?
Prelapse isn’t an official clinical term, but it’s widely recognized in recovery communities. Think of prelapse as a state of mind. It’s the series of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that often emerge before someone actually relapses. Recognizing prelapse can help you make adjustments to stay on track.
Some of the earliest signs of prelapse include behaviors like revisiting old hangouts or feeling overly confident about “being done” with recovery. It’s natural to feel confident, but if you start brushing off the need for recovery tools or thinking you can handle just a “small slip,” that can be an early red flag. Another common sign is starting to romanticize the past—thinking about substance use in a way that doesn’t remember the consequences.
Keeping an eye on these subtle shifts can make a huge difference. Recognizing and taking them seriously can help keep your recovery strong.
How Emotional Triggers Play a Role in Prelapse
Emotional triggers can sneak up on you, especially during times of stress or personal struggle. These are unique to each person but generally include feelings or situations that create discomfort, anxiety, or even boredom, making relapse feel like an escape.
Feelings of isolation, for example, can make it tempting to retreat back into familiar patterns. Stress is another big one—everyday stress can sometimes pile up in a way that makes staying sober feel like a tall order. And self-doubt or feelings of shame can also put cracks in the foundation of recovery.
It’s helpful to develop healthy coping skills and outlets to manage these emotions effectively. Recognizing the emotional triggers in your own life gives you the upper hand against prelapse, making it easier to reach out for support or redirect those feelings toward positive activities.
Taking Proactive Steps to Prevent Prelapse
Once you can identify prelapse indicators, the next step is knowing what to do about them. Preventing prelapse is all about taking control of these small, seemingly harmless behaviors before they grow into something larger. Here are a few straightforward ways to keep your recovery on track:
- Stay Connected: Isolation can make prelapse worse, so reach out to friends, family, or support groups if you notice yourself pulling away.
- Stick with Positive Routines: Simple routines, like a regular sleep schedule or engaging in hobbies, help create structure and stability.
- Revisit Your Recovery Goals: Reminding yourself why you’re on this path can be motivating and help refocus your mindset.
It’s all about staying intentional with your recovery. These proactive steps can be your first defense against relapse when you see these warning signs.
How Professional Support Can Help You Address Prelapse
Professional support is valuable for managing prelapse, not just for early recovery or moments of crisis. Working with a counselor or attending group meetings can provide tools, insight, and accountability that make a real difference.
One effective resource is therapy, where you can openly explore the emotions and stressors fueling prelapse. In therapy, you can also learn skills to cope with these feelings in healthier ways. Recovery meetings—whether 12-step or otherwise—are great for keeping your commitment to sobriety in perspective and connecting with others who understand the ups and downs.
In addition, having a personalized recovery plan that evolves as you do can help you stay resilient and focused. Professionals can help you adapt your recovery plan to fit new challenges and give you the confidence to address prelapse tendencies before they grow.
Contact Our Team
Prelapse may seem like a small step away from recovery, but it’s important to recognize. These early signs offer a chance to step back, reassess, and redirect. If you or someone you know is experiencing these early warning signs, Denovo Recovery in St. Joseph, MO, is here to help. Our team understands the importance of catching prelapse before it becomes a full relapse. Contact us today to learn more about our programs, and share this post with others who may benefit from this information.
FAQs
What is Prelapse?
Prelapse is the stage of mental and emotional shifts that often signal an impending relapse. Recognizing it helps prevent a full relapse.
Is Prelapse the Same as Relapse?
No, prelapse refers to the early signs before any substance use has resumed, whereas relapse involves returning to substance use.
What are Common Signs of Prelapse?
Common signs include visiting places associated with substance use, feeling overly confident in recovery, and romanticizing past substance use.
Can Professional Support Help with Prelapse?
Yes, therapy, recovery meetings, and a personalized recovery plan are all valuable in managing prelapse tendencies.
How Can I Prevent Prelapse from Leading to Relapse?
Recognizing early signs, staying connected with support networks, and using coping strategies can all help prevent prelapse from escalating.