Recovery: Relapse Prevention Plan

When an individual relapses, it can be disheartening and a huge setback within their recovery  journey. Therefore, having a relapse prevention plan is a vital component within long-term recovery.  Understanding how to prevent a relapse and identifying the warning signs of relapse are key elements  to sustain sobriety. Recovery requires commitment and support to be successful. 

Relapses are not simply engaging in your substance of choice. Relapses occur in three stages. The  first stage is an emotional relapse. During this stage, the individual may not be actively using again.  This stage entails emotional dysregulation and an overall lack of self-care. The next stage is a  mental relapse. This stages includes the individual considering the use of illegal substances. The  person may begin to daydream and envision their last ‘high’ The last stage is a physical relapse. It is during this stage that the individual engages in the substance(s) of choice.

Reasons a Relapse Occurs

Emotional triggers: a person is overwhelmed by emotion; anger, sadness and/or trauma resurfaced and would like to numb the emotional pain. 

Overconfidence: the individual has been within sobriety for a while and believes he/she can partake in substance use without forming an addiction.

Withdrawal: an individual wants to remove the uncomfortable physical symptoms related to withdrawal.

Key Elements of Relapse Prevention Plan

Identify Triggers: know what typically leads to substance use i.e. emotions, particular people,  surroundings. 

Develop Coping Strategies: ensure that you have coping tools that help to navigate symptoms of  emotional distress. 

Monitor Mental Health: be aware of your emotions specifically if you already have a mental health  diagnosis; medication compliance and regular appointments with a therapist is key. 

Structure: having a routine and productive activities decreases the likelihood of boredom and  subsequently the chance of poor decision-making. 

Professional Help: seek professional help to aid in your recovery efforts,s – mental health counselor, an  AA or NA sponsor, recovery meetings are all value assets to recovery.

Relapse prevention is a process that requires an individual to be self-aware and committed to recovery. Should a relapse happen, it is important to know that it is not the end of their journey. It is  a chance to regroup, gather new recovery tools, a support system and a detailed relapse prevention plan to then rejoin the road to recovery.