Relapse prevention planning, developed by Gorski and Marlatt, treats relapse as a process — not an event — that begins weeks before any substance use. This plan helps you identify your personal warning signs, high-risk situations, and pre-committed responses so you can interrupt the process early.
What you are recovering from and why it matters:
Substance / behavior My reasons for recovery (the most personal ones)These are behavioral, emotional, and cognitive changes that appear before relapse. Your personal signs:
Early warning signs (subtle — weeks before) Middle warning signs (unmistakable) Immediate warning signs (crisis point)Situations that significantly increase your probability of relapse:
Planning for a potential slip reduces catastrophizing and enables faster re-engagement:
Review this plan weekly. Share it with your therapist and support network. Update it as your recovery evolves.