What if I told you that up to 90% of people with alcohol use disorder relapse within the first four years? Before you let that statistic discourage you, here’s the game-changer: having a solid relapse prevention plan can dramatically shift those odds in your favor.
In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric dive deep into one of recovery’s most crucial yet overlooked tools – the relapse prevention plan. They’re not talking about planning to fail; they’re talking about planning to succeed when life throws its inevitable curveballs.
You’ll discover why your healthiest moments are actually the perfect time to prepare for your most vulnerable ones. Think of it as creating a “survival kit for your sobriety” – a personalized roadmap that helps you identify warning signs before they become danger zones and navigate triggering situations with confidence rather than chaos.
The hosts share practical strategies for building your support network, recognizing your unique triggers (hint: they’re not always what you think), and developing immediate response plans that actually work when cravings hit. They’ll also tackle the shame that keeps so many people from reaching out for help and show you how to transform potential relapses from failures into powerful growth opportunities.
Whether you’re thriving in recovery right now or struggling to get back on track, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and the reminder that recovery is a journey of progress, not perfection. Plus, they’ve created a downloadable worksheet to help you build your own personalized plan – because having a plan isn’t pessimistic, it’s empowering.
Key Topics
- Why relapse rates are so high and how planning changes everything
- The best time to create your relapse prevention plan (spoiler: it’s not when you’re struggling)
- Identifying your personal warning signs and triggers
- Building an immediate response strategy for cravings and difficult moments
- Creating and practicing with your support network before you need them
- Transforming relapse from failure to growth opportunity
- Making your plan accessible and keeping it updated as you grow
Timestamps
[00:01:04] – The sobering reality: Why 90% of people with alcohol use disorder relapse within four years
[00:04:00] – Creating your “survival kit for sobriety” and why planning isn’t pessimistic
[00:05:00] – Identifying your unique triggers: situations, emotions, people, and places
[00:08:12] – The crucial timing: Why you must create your plan when you have a healthy brain
[00:10:00] – Essential components: Warning signs, immediate responses, and alternative actions
[00:13:55] – Building your support system and the power of community in recovery
[00:16:15] – Reframing relapse: Why it’s not failure but a growth opportunity
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Supporting Resources:
If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center
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