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Recovery · Relapse Prevention

High-Risk Situations Map (Marlatt)

Intrapersonal, interpersonal, and social-pressure risks — mapped and planned

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Marlatt's classic taxonomy — negative emotional states, interpersonal conflict, and social pressure account for ~75% of relapses. Map YOUR specific high-risk situations in each category.

Intrapersonal — negative emotions
Which emotions historically push me toward using
Interpersonal — conflict
Which relationships / conflicts are highest risk
Social pressure — direct or indirect
Which situations, people, places
Coping plan per category
Situation
Warning signs
Coping move
Backup if it fails

Predictable is preventable

75% of your future high-risk moments live in the categories you already know. Plan them now, in a calm moment, not later in a hot one.

References & further reading

Conceptual background and further reading, not validation of this handout. Named instruments and methods belong to their original authors; custom prompts and trackers are not validated versions of those instruments.

  • Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse Prevention (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
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