In order to succeed, you must plan for the worst-case scenario. IN recovery, the worst case scenario is relapse.

2. Let’s Talk About the “R” Word
Relapse… in order to succeed, you must plan
for the worst-case scenario. In recovery, the
worst-case scenario is relapse.

3. What are Triggers?
Triggers are situations, emotions, or periods
of time during which we become more
vulnerable to relapsing.

4. Who Experiences Triggers
Relapse triggers can be highly specific to:
• One person
• Common among a large group
• Or universal for all people in recovery
Common triggers are particularly negative emotions.

5. Not All Triggers are Negative
Positive emotions can also be triggers.
For example, confidence in recovery is often
a slippery slope that can quickly lead to
overconfidence.

6. Trigger Fallacy
Thinking “one drink won’t hurt” is a very
quick way to relapse. Be confident, but have
realistic expectations of yourself.

7. Trigger Fact
Putting yourself in potentially harmful social
situations is another way to feel triggered to
drink.

8. Identify Your Triggers
Triggers will vary from person to person, the
key is to figure out which ones are most
threatening to you.

9. How to Identify Your Triggers
Step 1
Take stock of your recovery progression and
the strength of your willpower (be honest, don’t
overestimate).

10. How to Identify Your Triggers
Step 2
Develop a relapse prevention plan with a
close friend or loved one.

11. How to Identify Your Triggers
Step 3
Steer clear of places and people that
remind you of drinking.

12. How to Identify Your Triggers
Step 4
Avoid situations where you will be unnecessarily
exposed to alcohol and work to develop coping
mechanisms to help you deal with internal and
external pressure to drink.

13. Most importantly, don’t hang around people
from your former life who don’t fully support
your sobriety.

14. Read more about the
vibrant recovery community at
www.soberlink.com