Relapse Prevention
What is a relapse warning sign?
A change in thinking, behavior, or routines that may indicate increased relapse risk. Examples include returning to old behaviors, withdrawing from sober supports, or becoming dishonest.
What is the main idea behind Step One in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous?
Admitting powerlessness over alcohol or addiction and recognizing that life has become unmanageable.
True or false: The best relapse-prevention strategy is to avoid every uncomfortable situation or emotion.
False. Avoiding unnecessary high-risk situations can be helpful, but uncomfortable emotions and everyday stress are unavoidable. Recovery also involves learning how to respond to them.
You planned to spend Saturday with a sober friend, but he cancels at the last minute. Name two healthy ways you could respond instead of spending the entire day frustrated.
Make plans with another sober friend, attend a meeting or recovery event, exercise, visit family when appropriate, work on a hobby, or find another meaningful activity.
Why might someone knowingly make a decision that puts their recovery at risk?
Emotions, cravings, old habits, impulsiveness, pride, resentment, short-term gratification, or overconfidence can influence decisions even when someone understands the risks.
Why can positive life changes, such as getting a new job, starting a relationship, or gaining financial independence, sometimes increase relapse risk?
Positive changes can bring new stress, responsibilities, changes in routines, increased access to money, or reduced time for recovery activities. Even positive events may require adjustments to someone's relapse-prevention plan.
In AA and NA, what does the word "fellowship" mean?
A community of people who share their experiences, strength, and hope to support one another in recovery.
True or false: Having cravings means someone is going to relapse?
False. Cravings do not automatically indicate relapse. A person can experience cravings and continue making healthy decisions.
You've been doing well in recovery, but a family member still doesn't trust you because of things that happened during your addiction. What can you control about the situation, and what can't you control?
You can control your honesty, behavior, consistency, accountability, and willingness to rebuild trust. You cannot control how quickly someone forgives you or decides to trust you again.
What is one thing someone can do while they're feeling stable in recovery to make a healthier decision easier during a future difficult moment?
Build relationships with support people, identify backup contacts, establish routines, remove risky contacts, plan activities during difficult times, or create clear boundaries in advance.
What is the difference between a lapse and a relapse in substance use recovery?
A lapse generally refers to a brief or isolated return to substance use after a period of abstinence, while a relapse typically refers to a more sustained return to previous patterns of substance use. However, definitions can vary, and even a single use can be dangerous and should be taken seriously.
What is the purpose of having a sponsor in AA or NA?
A sponsor is an experienced member who shares their experience, offers guidance through the Twelve Steps, and provides recovery-related support.
True or false: A person can experience cravings even after being sober for several years.
TRUE. Cravings can occur at different stages of recovery, including after long periods of sobriety. Their frequency and intensity vary from person to person.
A friend in recovery begins acting the same way he did when he was actively using. He's becoming more hostile, pulling away from sober friends, and avoiding conversations about how he's doing. What would be a reasonable way to respond?
Check in with him without making accusations, express concern about the changes you've noticed, encourage him to connect with support, and maintain healthy boundaries. His behavior may be concerning, but it does not prove he has relapsed or will relapse.
What is the difference between trusting yourself and refusing to listen to anybody else's advice?
Trusting yourself means having confidence in your ability to make decisions while recognizing your limitations. Refusing all outside perspectives can prevent you from noticing risks, challenging your assumptions, or recognizing when emotions are influencing your judgment.
What is the difference between a trigger and a craving?
A trigger is something that brings up thoughts or urges related to substance use, such as a person, place, emotion, or memory. A craving is the actual urge or desire to use.
Does someone have to belong to a particular religion to participate in AA or NA?
No. AA and NA are spiritual programs but do not require membership in a particular religion. Members develop their own understanding of a Higher Power.
True or false: A person can be following all the rules, attending meetings, and maintaining sobriety while still showing warning signs that their recovery may be at risk.
TRUE. Changes such as dishonesty, withdrawing from supportive relationships, or returning to old patterns of behavior may signal increased risk even when someone is meeting program expectations.
You're having a difficult day and decide to call your sponsor, but he doesn't answer. What should you do next?
Contact another trusted person, use a different recovery support, attend a meeting if available, use coping strategies, or follow another part of your relapse-prevention plan rather than relying on only one option.
Someone knows he should ask for help when he's struggling, but every time things get difficult, he keeps everything to himself. Why might this happen even though he knows reaching out would help?
He may feel embarrassed, ashamed, angry, prideful, or afraid of judgment. He may not want to hear advice that challenges what he wants to do. He may also have developed a habit of withdrawing during difficult situations.
Someone has a relapse-prevention plan that depends entirely on calling his sponsor when he feels like using. What is the biggest weakness in this plan, and how could he improve it?
The plan depends on one person being available. He could improve it by identifying additional support contacts, having alternative coping strategies, knowing where meetings or other support resources are available, and developing a backup plan.
What is the difference between apologizing to someone and making amends?
An apology acknowledges wrongdoing and expresses regret. Making amends involves taking responsibility and, when appropriate and safe, taking meaningful action to repair the harm caused. Making direct amends should not create further harm.
True or false: Once someone has successfully handled a particular trigger, that trigger will no longer be a risk for them in the future.
FALSE. A person's response to a trigger can change depending on stress, circumstances, emotional state, and other factors. Successfully handling a trigger once does not guarantee the same response every time.
You're offered a well-paying job, but the workplace regularly exposes you to people, substances, or situations that were closely connected to your past addiction. What factors should you consider before accepting?
Consider your current recovery stability, the specific risks involved, your history with that environment, whether the exposure can be avoided, available support, financial needs, other employment options, and whether you have a realistic plan for managing or leaving unsafe situations.
Someone says, "I've been through treatment before. I already know what I need to do. This time I'm just going to make better choices." What is missing from that plan?
Specific actions and preparation. He needs to identify what prevented him from following through previously and establish realistic changes, such as stronger support systems, different routines, healthier boundaries, coping strategies, and backup plans.