It’s important to identify situations that place you at high risk for slipping and or relapse.
Common high-risk situations for many can include:
• Being emotionally upset
• Social settings, in which temptation is likely
• Unexpectedly encountering the to-be-avoided object
It is equally important to have a plan prepared ahead of time to cope with these situations before we encounter them. Although the easiest way to cope is to avoid these high-risk situations, for some scenarios, it is not possible.
For these situations, try writing down the specifics of what happens to you.
Example: When I am stressed, I just want to relieve it by grabbing a cigarette and calming down.
Next try finding alternatives to what you habitually do when in this high-risk situation.
Example: When I am stressed, I will take a long warm bath instead.
Example: When I am stressed, I will take a walk.
Example: When I am stressed, I will have a cup of tea and write in my journal.
