The Importance of a Relapse Prevention Plan: A Personal Journey

As someone who has struggled with addiction, navigated the uncharted road to recovery and now as someone who works professionally as a sober coach, I can tell you that maintaining sobriety is a continuous journey, not a destination. No one maintains sobriety over extended periods of time without a plan, strategy, concerted effort and intention. One of the most vital tools in my recovery toolbox has been a solid relapse prevention plan. With nearly 8 years of sobriety under my belt, I have a lot of lived experiences, tools, and guidance to offer. What I’m sharing in this blog (and my free relapse prevention workbook) will support you in anchoring and staying grounded in your sobriety during the inevitable storms of life. 

What is a Relapse/Revisit Prevention Plan and Why Do You Need One?

When I first started my recovery journey, I was cautiously hopeful but also felt a lot of fear. The fear of slipping back into old habits felt ever-present. Without a concrete plan and choosing to prioritize my sobriety daily, I knew I was at risk. For many, relapse is part of the recovery journey and to be very clear, experiencing a relapse or revisit isn't a sign of failure. And relapse isn’t inevitable, either. Having a prevention plan can significantly reduce the risk of a relapse/revisit and help you bounce back stronger if it does happen.

Having relapse prevention strategies and plan is essential because:

1. It Provides a Road Map: Recovery can be chaotic, and having a structured plan gives you a clear path to follow, reducing the chances of getting lost in the chaos.

2. It Identifies Triggers: Knowing what triggers your cravings is crucial. Spending time getting clear on your triggers allows you to navigate them differently and better prepare you for situations as they arise. Understanding how stress, certain social situations, even specific places or people trigger you is extremely helpful.

3. It Offers Coping Strategies: When triggers arise, it's vital to have healthy coping mechanisms in place. My free workbook gives you suggested coping strategies, activities and practices that have helped me (and will help you!) manage cravings and stress.

4. It Builds a Support System: Having a community of supportive friends, family, and sober women has been a lifesaver for me. My workbook will help you identify who to include in your support system.

Tips for Creating Your Relapse Prevention Plan

While everyone’s relapse/revisit prevention plan is going to look a bit different, including several key aspects is going to set you up for even greater success. Based on 7+ years of sobriety and 5+ years of working professionally in the recovery space as a sober coach, I created the HOL + WELL Relapse Prevention Workbook. Within it, you will be guided to create your customized relapse/revisit prevention plan, which will include work in the following areas:

• Exploring your relationship with alcohol

• The Pros and Cons of drinking

• Reflecting on triggers & managing emotions

• Identifying high-risk situations

• Learning new coping strategies

• Identifying support systems

• Managing stress

• Discovering alcohol-free activities

• Alcohol facts

You can grab your free workbook here. 

Final Thoughts

Long term sobriety is an on-going journey, and having a relapse prevention plan is like having a map that guides you through the rough terrain. It's not about avoiding the storm but learning how to navigate through it. If you’re on this journey, know that you’re not alone. Equip yourself with a solid plan, stay connected to your support system, keep moving forward and remember that it gets easier with time and practice. Every step you take is a testament to your strength and resilience. Stay strong, and remember that every day sober is a victory.

Cheering you on, always!