Relapse Prevention Tools

Mindfulness, journaling, and trigger tracking are some tools you can use to monitor your recovery progress and prevent relapse. Use these relapse prevention tools as needed and share with a counselor, friend, or sponsor if you wish.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

mindfulness-based stress reduction by Jon Kabat-Zinn: relapse prevention
Mikhail Nilov, Pexels.com

Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teaches mindfulness, yoga, and coping skills to combat physical and mental illness and prevent relapse.

Research suggests MBSR helps control depression and chronic pain, improve stress-coping, and reduce relapse risk.

See Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR body scan on YouTube.

Recovery Writing Prompts

Next, spark your creativity with these recovery writing prompts. Share your responses with a counselor, friend, or sponsor if you wish.

Relapse prevention tool: recovery writing prompts

Craving Tracker Worksheet

Use as often as needed to track cravings and triggers. Share with a recovering friend or a sponsor as needed.

Trigger tracker, relapse prevention

Gratitude Journal Prompts

Gratitude is a wonderful way to stay motivated in recovery. So, use these gratitude journal prompts to remind yourself why you want to recover. Review your answers whenever you’re struggling or need some inspiration.

Complete one worksheet daily for the first 90 days of recovery, or use these prompts anytime you wish.

gratitude journal prompts, relapse prevention tool

Cognitive Distortions Worksheet

Cognitive distortions are faulty thought patterns that can jeopardize recovery when unchecked. Identify common cognitive distortions and challenge your thoughts if you notice yourself in these descriptions.

cognitive distortions worksheet for relapse prevention