How to Learn Relapse Prevention Skills

Relapse prevention helps addicted people gain control of their lives, according to mentalhelp.net. Any addiction has the potential to consume a person. When an addiction controls someone's life, this can harm relationships and job performance. Part of the process of recovery involves relapsing, but understanding prevention skills will help the addicted individual combat any setbacks in the future. Relapse prevention skills consist of a variety of teaching, support and knowledge.

Instructions

• 1

  Play the movie. If you begin to feel like relapsing, think about the consequences of that choice. Play the movie in your mind of how the entire situation may play out. One relapse may lead to more relapses. Remind yourself of the negative effects of relapsing because this may help you make a positive choice, according to addictionsandrecovery.org.

• 2

  Join a support group. Support groups provide a community for all kinds of addictions. The support group will give you the option of calling another member if you feel like relapsing. You will also learn a variety of relapse prevention skills that work for the other members of the group.

• 3

  Implement coping skills. Identify a negative situation or a warning sign that might encourage use. Once this is identified, figure out a coping skill that will work against that urge. Coping skills such as going for walks, playing sports or talking to a friend may all provide effective options. Mentalhelp.net states that one of the most important aspects of coping skills involves becoming aware of your ability to relapse.

• 4

  Choose a proper environment. If your current environment aids in relapsing, find a place that aids in your quest for abstinence. If your living environment proves toxic and you can remove yourself from it, you should. This involves obtaining a new residence or filling your time with positive activities.

• 5

  Participate in positive self-talk. Many times relapses can result from negative feelings about yourself, according to the University of Chicago Behavioral Health Recovery Management. Say positive things to yourself about the way you look, feel and things you have accomplished. Write these items on an index card and recite the statements every morning as you look in the mirror.