Relapse Prevention
What is relapse prevention?
A set of strategies used to help individuals maintain positive behavior change by identifying and managing situations, thoughts, and emotions that increase the risk of returning to previous problematic behaviors (such as substance use or unhealthy habits).
This communication behavior includes honesty, eye contact, and respectful tone.
Healthy communication skills
What are cognitive distortions?
Inaccurate or exaggerated patterns of thinking that can negatively influence emotions and behaviors.
This practice involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
Mindfulness
Following these four principles can support emotional growth and healthier relationships.
The Four Agreements
What are triggers?
Internal or external cues that increase the urge to return to a previous behavior, such as substance use or other unhealthy habits.
This type of listening focuses on understanding the speaker without interrupting or judging.
Active listening
Name the Cognitive Distortion:
“If I feel this stressed, everything is going to fall apart.”
Catastrophizing
This mindfulness skill helps people notice cravings or emotions without acting on them.
Urge surfing
This agreement focuses on effort rather than perfection.
“Always do your best”
What are coping skills?
Healthy strategies people use to manage stress, emotions, cravings, or difficult situations without returning to harmful behaviors.
This skill involves clearly expressing your needs, feelings, and boundaries without aggression.
Assertive communication
Name the cognitive distortion:
“I messed up once, so I’ve failed completely.”
All-or-nothing thinking
This simple mindfulness exercise focuses on slow, deep breaths to calm the body and mind.
Deep breathing
This agreement helps reduce misunderstandings by encouraging curiosity instead of assumptions.
“Don’t make assumptions”
This daily structure helps reduce idle time, manage triggers, and support long-term recovery.
Healthy Routine
This communication tool helps prevent blame by focusing on personal feelings and experiences.
“I” statements
Name the cognitive distortion:
“I should be stronger than this.”
Should statements
This mindfulness technique helps reduce stress by focusing on physical sensations.
Body scan
This agreement reminds us not to assume others’ actions or words are about us.
“Don’t take anything personally”
Give 3 examples of healthy coping skills for relapse prevention
Deep breathing or relaxation techniques, Talking to a trusted person or support group, Problem-solving and planning ahead, Distracting activities (exercise, hobbies, music), Positive self-talk and mindfulness, etc
Open and honest communication with this group helps build accountability and support in recovery.
Support system (or support network)
Name the cognitive distortion:
“Staying sober for a month doesn’t really count.”
Minimizing positives
In recovery, this mindful habit helps people pause before reacting to triggers.
Responding instead of reacting
This agreement encourages speaking with honesty, kindness, and integrity.
“Be impeccable with your word”