Did You Know

Actively addressing issues of relapse and returning to treatment (as soon as possible) after a relapse can help facilitate long-term recovery and help minimize the negative effects of relapse on your life. Don't let a minor slip turn into a "full blown" relapse. The sooner you stop using drugs and/or alcohol, the less damage you will do to your health, your relationships, and your finances.

Here at the Friends Connection we have developed the SOBER Path to Relapse Prevention. The SOBER Path is designed to provide you with an easy to remember, step-by-step format to help you stop early in the relapse, to explore the reasons for the relapse, and to help focus attention on key issues for ongoing relapse prevention. The accompanying questions are only meant to be a guide. The SOBER Path can also be used to develop an initial relapse prevention plan. Try to explore each area as thoroughly as possible. Sometimes it is helpful to write your response down on paper.

	SAFETY/SUPPORT Take yourself out of the "high risk" situation. Take yourself out of the alcohol/drug use situation. Find a safe place to be. Get support (go to a meeting, call your sponsor, call a friend in recovery).
	OUTLET (verbalize thoughts and feelings) What thoughts did you have before you decided to use? How did you feel before you used? What thoughts did you have as you were seeking drugs/alcohol? How did you feel as you were seeking drugs/alcohol? What benefit did you get from using (if any)? What were your thoughts after you used? How did you feel after you used? What are you thinking about yourself right now? How do you feel right now?
	BEHAVIOR TRIGGERS What was the situation that you were in? How did you get in that situation? What were some of your behavior triggers (things that you did that kept you headed toward relapse)? What were some of the triggers in the environment (people, places, things)? Are there any patterns you can identify with past relapses?
	EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES What are or what were the consequences of your alcohol/drug use? How could you have avoided the situation? What could you have done differently once you got in the situation? What resources are available to you? What resources do you need to identify to help support your recovery?
	RELAPSE PREVENTION Review all of the above steps, develop a new relapse prevention plan. Some issues to consider: What were the consequences of your relapse? What steps will you take to maintain wellness on a daily basis? What steps will you take to avoid/deal with triggers? What steps will you take to avoid high risk alcohol/drug use situations? What "high risk" situations do you need to avoid in the future? What are your reasons for staying clean/sober? Who are the your supports? How can you contact these supports? Identify a 12 Step Fellowship meeting (or other support group) that you can utilize.