Understanding Relapse

Relapse Prevention is all about becoming aware of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour and making changes in your life... you have to do something more than just not drink... this is an opportunity to give yourself a new start.

Lapses and Relapse can be part of a learning process on the road to full health, but they don't have to be inevitable.

Understanding yourself and identifying 'triggers' helps prevent lapses and relapse.

We try to change the way we tackle risky situations, thoughts, feelings and behaviour working out new strategies to avoid relapse. We look at internal triggers (boredom, frustration, loneliness, anxiety), and external triggers (arguments, bars, other people drinking). Can any of these be avoided? For those that cannot be avoided, can you learn to deal with them in some other way?

What thoughts go through your head when you are exposed to these triggers? You may not even be aware of these thoughts - they are habitual. Listen carefully to the conversations you have with yourself in your head. Once you can recognise your negative automatic thoughts, you can learn to challenge and change them. Start to make the changes, start enjoying life.

You can download an overview of our approach to Relapse Prevention by clicking on this link.

"You seem to have the right approach, plain speaking, wise, genuine desire to help free people from the trap and CBT based...you are just what I have been missing!" - "PB" (New GOAL Member 08.04.09)

"Thanks for your advice and help...I am learning how to face up to things and not run away from them...I am learning that it's okay to use my voice." - "J" (GOAL Peer Group Member)