Relapse Prevention &
Recovery Resources

Making a Plan

Sobriety is more than not using. Sobriety is about maintaining a clean mind and surrounding yourself with positive influences. Read through the tabs to the right for tips on choosing three of each: people, places, and things. Get a notepad, either physical or digital, and start making your lists. 

The secret to relapse prevention is practicing it weekly. Take time during your week to talk to or spend time with your people. Go to your positive places. Do your distracting things.

  • Identify three people you can rely on to help you through rough times. Keep in contact with these people regularly. Improve the quality of your relationship with them over time. The quality of those relationships is what will make the difference. Don't be the people that only calls a person when you need something. Be proactive and see what you can do for them.

  • Identify safe places where you can find refuge if you feel a craving. These should be places you go to regularly, that provide some pleasure or enjoyment. It may be a good idea to choose a place you associate with one of the positive people in your relapse prevention plan.

  • Identify three easy to do activities to distract yourself during a craving. Examples include playing a video game, cleaning the dishes, or engaging in a hobby. Most cravings only last for about 20 minutes at their worst, so be sure to pick distractions that are long enough.

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Identifying Triggers

Triggers are like landmines on our journey to sobriety. They can be external, such as being around certain people or visiting certain places associated with substance use. They can also be internal, such as experiencing stress, sadness, or anxiety. Triggers have the power to evoke strong cravings and make us feel vulnerable, testing our commitment to staying clean. That's why it's crucial to identify and address them head-on.

Triggers can vary from person to person, and what might trigger me may not be the same for you. It's important to recognize that triggers can evolve over time as well. Reflecting on our own experiences and paying close attention to how certain situations or emotions make us feel is key. By identifying our personalized triggers, we can develop a proactive plan to navigate them and prevent relapse.

CHALLENGE: Create a list of your triggers. Get a notepad, either physical or digital, and make a list of three of each, people, places, and things that may trigger you to even think of relapsing.

More About Relapse Prevention

  • Identifying Triggers

    Triggers are like landmines on our journey to sobriety. Identifying and eliminating them is your first priority.

    Landscape with mountains, a lake with turquoise water, grassy hills, and cloudy sky.

  • Supportive People

    Positive people are like beacons of light in our lives. Building supportive relationships is crucial in early recovery.

    A modern house situated on a grassy hill with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains under a slightly overcast sky.

  • Activities & Distractions

    Being sober is more than just not using or drinking. If you want to be a happy person, you have to act like one!

    Modern wooden cabin in a mountainous landscape with large glass window.

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