Prevention Skills for Substance Use Disorder

Relapse can be a part of the recovery journey for some individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). While it's a challenging hurdle, implementing effective relapse prevention strategies can significantly enhance long-term recovery. Here are some crucial skills to consider:

Know Your Triggers: Identifying triggers is the first step in relapse prevention. Triggers can be people, places, or situations that evoke cravings. Self-advocating and setting self-care boundaries to protect your sobriety is essential. Maintaining a journal can help track these triggers and develop strategies to manage them effectively.

Develop a Support Network: Strong social support is essential. Peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery can provide encouragement and accountability. Developing friendships with sober peers can provide a level of support that partners, friends, and family may not be able to provide.

Cultivate Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Integrating stress-relief practices such as asking for emotional support, practicing grounding skills, exercise, meditation, and hobbies can help manage daily pressures without turning to substances.

Create a Routine: A structured daily routine can provide a foundation to promote consistency. Setting and pursuing personal goals can foster a sense of purpose. Small goals such as having a consistent sleep schedule, making your bed daily, keeping up with laundry, and dishes can promote a positive sense of accomplishment. Finding ways to minimize boredom and idle time can reduce temptation.

Seek Professional Help: Therapy, whether individual or group-based, can provide insight and coping strategies tailored to personal needs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially effective in addressing thought patterns that lead to relapse.

By adopting these skills and remaining proactive, individuals in recovery can build resilience and work towards sustained sobriety.

Anne Grisham-Pleas, LMHC, SUDP. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor; Substance Use Disorder Professional in private practice. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and my Certificate in Addiction Studies from Seattle University in 1991. I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Seattle University in 1998. I have worked in private practice, substance use disorder, and mental health agencies for 33 years.