Create a Powerful Relapse Prevention Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recovering from addiction isn't easy. According to Mary E. Larimer, a clinical psychologist who studies addictions, a large number of patients relapse due to stress, mental illness and associating with old friends. A relapse prevention plan, however, helps those recovering from addiction by offering a list of coping strategies and prepares the individual for a potential relapse. By filling out a simple form, former addicts can resist temptation and get back on the path of clean living.

Instructions

• 1

  Get a blank relapse prevention plan sheet from a rehabilitation facility, psychologist or other addiction specialist. Usually the sheet is provided before a patient leaves rehabilitation or at the first outpatient support meeting.

• 2

  List five people to call when relapse is imminent. According to Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), a website dedicated to helping those with both addictions and mental illness, call those who are in a drug and alcohol abuse outpatient recovery group or a sponsor. If none of these options are available, list sober friends and relatives in a relapse prevention plan.

• 3

  Think of five activities that can help you through temptation. According to DRA, sitting and obsessing over your desire for drugs or alcohol only makes matters worse. A good relapse prevention plan includes distracting activities, such as taking long walks, which increase the chance a person won't relapse.

• 4

  List the warning signs of a relapse and the people to call if it occurs. Sponsors, those recovering from addiction, and family and friends, should be called when drugs or alcohol have been abused. After a relapse, brain storm ways to prevent one from occurring in the future and include them in your relapse prevention plan.