How to build a relapse prevention plan

A relapse prevention plan is a written document that identifies your personal risk factors and provides specific strategies for managing them. It is developed with your therapist and updated regularly.

Section 1: Trigger inventory

List your personal triggers: people, places, emotions, situations, times of day, and physical states that increase craving. Be specific. John's apartment is better than places I used.

Section 2: Warning signs

Your personal emotional and behavioral warning signs of approaching relapse. Isolation, skipping meetings, irritability, romanticizing use, poor self-care.

Section 3: Coping strategies

For each trigger, a specific coping response. When stressed: call sponsor, exercise, meditate. When lonely: attend meeting, call sober friend. When craving: urge surf, delay 30 minutes, change environment.

Section 4: Emergency plan

If cravings become overwhelming: call sponsor (number), call therapist (number), go to nearest meeting (location and time), call SAMHSA helpline, go to emergency room.

Section 5: Support network

Names and numbers of 5+ people you can call. Meeting schedule. Therapist contact. Sponsor contact. Prescriber contact.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: SAMHSA · NIDA · ASAM

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.