Exactly, what is relapse prevention? I believe that the answer to that question lies greatly in the definition of relapse. 
Simply put, relapse, for the recovering addict or alcoholic is commonly thought to be the act of taking that first drug or drink after maintaining a period of abstinence. Even though this is the generally accepted definition, the recovery and drug and alcohol treatment communities generally agree that there is a relapse process that begins long before the actual first use has occurred.
It is often said in AA/NA circles that, “nobody picks up after working a healthy program of recovery.” The inherent meaning in that statement is that there are definitive behaviors that can be easily recognized and addressed long before it’s “too late”. “Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path”
There are several schools of thought however all would probably agree that education, awareness and action are vital to the prevention of relapse.Education & Awareness:
• learn to recognize the various early warning signs or “symptoms of relapse”
• identify the high risk situations or “personal triggers” that set in motion a series of downward spiraling events
Action:
• develop a written relapse prevention plan that acts as a sort of “insurance policy” to deal with the symptom and triggers inherent in each recovering individual
• build and maintain a “sober support system” to confront arising negative attitudes and behaviors
• seek and accept help from support system and/or Drug and Alcohol Counselor
