What goes in a relapse prevention plan?
From the RecoveryHome team. We write some questions from situations people often ask us about, and answer them with general information from public health sources. Been through this yourself? Your answer could help the next person who finds this page. How we write team posts
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
asked 2 days ago
Counselors often recommend a written relapse prevention plan. What does a good one include?
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
answered 2 days ago · general information, not medical advice
A good plan is short, specific, and written down, so you can use it on a hard day.
- Triggers: people, places, feelings, times of day, and situations that raise your risk
- Early warning signs: changes you notice before a relapse, such as skipping meetings, isolating, poor sleep, or romanticizing using
- Coping steps: what you'll do instead, such as calling someone, leaving the situation, going to a meeting, exercising, or praying or meditating
- Your people: three or more names and numbers you can call any time
- Your daily structure: sleep, meals, work, meetings, and appointments
- Medication, if any, and who prescribes it
- If you use: who you'll tell, how you'll get back to treatment, and safety steps such as keeping naloxone nearby and not using alone
- Crisis numbers: 988 and SAMHSA's helpline, 1-800-662-4357
Review it with a counselor or someone you trust, and update it as you learn what works.
Read more: The first 90 days: a relapse prevention plan
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