Preventing Relapse Through Awarenes
Relapse prevention is an important part of staying sober, and it’s about more than just avoiding drugs or alcohol. It also involves avoiding harmful behaviors and making improvements in your physical, emotional, and social health.
Relapse doesn’t usually happen all at once. There are warning signs that show up before a person uses again. These warning signs often start without you realizing it, which is why they can build up and become overwhelming. Because they’re happening below the surface, you might not even notice them until it feels like things are spinning out of control. When this happens, a relapse is more likely to follow.
There are certain patterns that we can look out for. For example, old habits can trigger old problems. You might start falling back into denial—telling yourself things like, “I’m fine,” or “I can handle it,” even when you know you’re struggling.
Relapse often starts with a change. It could be something external, like a stressful event, or it could be an internal shift, like a negative change in your thinking or attitude.
Once this change happens, you might notice you’re losing control in different areas. First, you start losing control of your thoughts, then your emotions, and finally your actions. You may stop following the routines that help keep you grounded in your recovery—things like attending meetings, following a daily schedule, or staying in touch with sober friends. When this happens, recovery starts to slip away.
Take Emily, for example, who had been sober for eight years and feeling strong in her recovery. But after a difficult breakup, she started skipping her regular support meetings, telling herself she could “handle it” alone. Slowly, Emily began isolating from her support system and avoided talking about her feelings. Over time, old thought patterns crept in—thoughts like, “Maybe one drink wouldn’t hurt,” or, “I was happier when I was drinking,” or I could use a drink.” These subtle shifts in behavior and thinking started small, but they grew until she found herself dangerously close to relapsing.
Emily’s story is a common one. What started with a small change spiraled into a near relapse. This shows how the relapse process begins long before the actual use of substances.
As the process continues, your judgment becomes clouded, leading to poor decisions. Life starts to feel chaotic, and you might feel like you’re losing control, even thinking you’re “crazy” or considering using again just to make the pain stop. This is the final stage before relapse, and it’s a critical point to reach out for help.
One way to prevent relapse is by maintaining awareness of these warning signs. When you notice small changes in your behavior, reach out to your support system. It’s crucial to stay connected with the routines and people that help keep you grounded in your recovery.
It’s important to remember that relapse doesn’t mean failure—it’s part of the process for many people. But by being aware of these warning signs and taking action early, you can prevent it from happening and stay on your path to recovery.
In moments of vulnerability, remind yourself that sobriety is a journey, not a destination. Recovery is about showing up for yourself every day, staying mindful of the patterns that led to addiction, and seeking help when needed. Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and commitment to your well-being.
So, the next time you feel the warning signs building, take a moment to pause, reflect, and reach out. You are worth the fight, and your recovery is worth protecting.