5 Relapse Prevention Skills For Young Adults

5 Relapse Prevention Skills For Young Adults

Relapse is a big part of recovery from addiction.  Young adults face the challenge of ending old negative relationships and focusing on starting new productive, positive and healthy lifestyle.  During this transition the possibility for relapse is always around the next corner.  New decision making processes and ways to cope will be developed by an individuals personality and experiences.  Here are some skills to help…

1.            Be Assertive, say no, when confronted with a bad choice – As addicts and young adults, we must realize and acknowledge when we are faced with a difficult decision and be assertive when our recovery is put in jeopardy.

2.            In your mind, recognize the danger; say “That’s Trouble.” – In young adult treatment for drugs or alcohol, we come to understand and hopefully memorize our triggers and the cycle in which they come.  Recognizing these triggers in the initial stage gives us a better chance of stopping the whole cycle.

3.            Explain why this bad choice is not good for you, explain the consequences. – As addicts and in many other circumstances in life, we always have a choice.  Working through the process of the decision to use drugs or alcohol and the unavoidable consequences can bring reality back into perspective.

4.            Offer an alternative choice. – Addiction treatment gives helps us to think a little differently then we are used to.  Come up with 5 or 10 activities that can replace destructive behaviors.  Keep this list on you as a reference.  Lists are fun!

5.            Leave. – When all else fails when confronted with a difficult choice or problem, leave.  This can be finding a safe physical location that can be visited when necessary allowing for perspective, comfort, and focus.