This page was created in response to an article we wrote about Addiction Relapse Prevention.

Addiction Relapse Plan Outline

I talked with a young lady that has created a Crisis Plan for her depression and I thought it was simply amazing and thorough. The more I thought about it, I realized this would be perfect to add to this article. Here’s the outline of her ‘Crisis Plan’ or in this case a ‘Relapse Prevention Plan’:

•  Lifestyle actions to stay well:
  • Create a List of Ongoing Items
  • Create Action items
• Triggers and Stressors:
  • Behaviors, situations, people, places, and circumstances that put me at emotional risk:
• Preventative Behaviors
  • Actions I will take to avoid my triggers:
• Early Warning Signs
  • My behavior signals that show I’m growing more at risk:
    • Thoughts…
    • Feelings…
    • Behavior…
• My Coping Skills
  • Actions I will take to be calm if I develop early warning signs:
• What others can do to help:
• What others can say to help:
• What I will do in a crisis situation
• Use all coping skill strategies.
• Clearly communicate to others …
• Crisis Action Plan
  • If I seem prone to relapse:
• “When should I call? I will call you in 1 hour.”
• If I have relapsed: (steps others should take)
• People to contact for help:
• Actions I agree others may take if I refuse to use coping skills and I am in danger of a relapse.
• My Treating Health Professionals:
• Maintenance Medications:

Learn more about Utah Family Therapy’s Intensive Outpatient Program for Depression, Anxiety and OCD.