How can a coach support clients in building relapse prevention strategies?

• A. Identify triggers, develop coping skills, plan for cravings, connect with supports, and rehearse response plans and coping statements.
• B. Avoid discussing triggers and cravings.
• C. Rely solely on willpower.
• D. End sessions when cravings occur.

Answer: (A)

Relapse prevention planning focuses on preparing clients to handle high-risk situations before they arise. The best approach includes identifying triggers—those cues, feelings, or environments that increase relapse risk—and building coping skills to manage them. It also involves planning for cravings so there are concrete steps to take when urges appear, such as delaying, using grounding techniques, or using coping statements. Connecting with supports provides accountability and encouragement, giving the client a safety net to lean on during tough moments. Finally, rehearsing response plans and coping statements helps these strategies become automatic when cravings hit, so the client can act calmly and purposefully rather than impulsively.

This comprehensive approach beats strategies that avoid discussing triggers, rely on willpower alone, or end sessions during cravings, because it creates practical tools, social support, and practiced responses that reduce the likelihood of a lapse turning into a full relapse.