What is a relapse prevention plan?

• A. A written plan listing triggers, coping strategies, and steps to resume abstinence or safer use.
• B. A general discussion about relapse without written details.
• C. A one-page summary of treatment goals.
• D. A diary of daily moods without coping strategies.

Answer: (B)

Relapse prevention planning is about turning awareness of risk into action by creating a practical, written plan. A solid relapse prevention plan identifies triggers and high-risk situations, outlines concrete coping strategies to manage cravings, and specifies steps to resume abstinence or move toward safer use when needed. This written document becomes a personalized roadmap you can follow in the moment, not just a discussion about relapse.

Having it documented matters because it moves beyond general talk to actionable guidance. It helps a person anticipate what might trigger a slip, choose how to respond before cravings peak, and know exactly whom to contact or which steps to take to stay on track. In practice, the plan is tailored to the individual, reviewed regularly, and updated as situations change.

Other descriptions that focus only on a broad discussion about relapse or simply track moods without linking them to coping actions fail to provide the actionable framework that supports real-world, in-the-moment decision making. A relapse prevention plan, in contrast, combines awareness with specific, practiced responses to preserve sobriety.