Relapse prevention strategies in addiction counseling include which of the following?

• A. Identifying triggers
• B. Increasing dosage of medication without plan
• C. Isolating the client from support
• D. Waiting for relapse to occur before planning

Answer: (A)

Relapse prevention hinges on foreseeing what can trigger cravings and planning steps to navigate those moments. When clients can identify internal triggers (like stress, fatigue, or negative emotions) and external triggers (such as certain places, people, or environments), they gain a clear map for action before urges surge. This awareness lets them implement coping skills, reach out to supportive contacts, delay acting on cravings (urge surfing), and follow a concrete relapse-prevention plan that includes recognizing warning signs and applying a practiced response. Because this proactive approach directly equips the client to stay in recovery, it fits the goal of relapse prevention best. In contrast, increasing medication dosage without a plan is unsafe and not a prevention strategy; isolating the client from supporters removes essential protection; and waiting for relapse to occur before planning is a late, reactive stance that misses chances to intervene early.