About this worksheet
The relapse prevention plan is a Marlatt-style, one-page map of the specific terrain a client has to walk after acute treatment ends. High-risk situations they've already identified, early warning signs across mood/body/behavior/thinking/social channels, coping skills matched to specific triggers, a named support network with real phone numbers, and — critically — a first-24-hours protocol for what happens if a lapse occurs. That last piece is what separates a clinical relapse prevention plan from a wishful abstinence contract. The Abstinence Violation Effect (Marlatt & Gordon, 1985) is what turns a lapse into a relapse; naming it in advance and rehearsing the client's response is what keeps a slip a slip. This worksheet is built for substance use recovery, eating disorder recovery, self-harm, gambling, compulsive behavior — anywhere the presenting pattern has a chronic-relapsing shape. Use in the last phase of active treatment, at discharge, and as a living document the client updates in early sobriety or recovery.
When to use it
- Late-phase treatment for substance use, eating disorders, self-harm, or any chronic-relapsing pattern.
- Discharge from inpatient, IOP, PHP, or intensive outpatient work — the plan bridges levels of care.
- Early sobriety or recovery when the client is off the daily-check-in scaffolding and needs a written protocol.
- After a lapse, to update the plan with what the trigger actually was and what would have helped.
How to use it
- 1
Map high-risk situations
Specific people, places, times, states — not 'stress' but 'Sunday nights alone after visiting my mother.'
- 2
List early warning signs
Across five channels — mood, body, behavior, thinking, social. Warning signs are personal; generic lists don't catch them.
- 3
Match coping skills to triggers
Each high-risk situation gets 2–3 specific coping moves the client has actually used successfully before.
- 4
Name the support network
Real names and real phone numbers. Sponsor, therapist, one friend, one family member, crisis line — minimum five.
- 5
Write the first 24 hours after a lapse
Step by step: who the client calls first, what they say, where they go, how they'll get back to treatment. Rehearse it before it's needed.
- 6
Review and update quarterly
The plan is a living document. What was high-risk six months in isn't the same as year two.
Frequently asked questions
What is a relapse prevention plan?+
A written, personalized clinical document mapping a client's high-risk situations, early warning signs, matched coping skills, support network, and post-lapse protocol. Standard tool in substance use, eating disorder, and self-harm recovery.
What is the Abstinence Violation Effect?+
Marlatt & Gordon's finding that a single lapse often triggers a full relapse because the client interprets the slip as evidence that recovery has failed. Naming the AVE in advance and rehearsing a different response is protective.
How often should the plan be updated?+
Quarterly in the first year, then at least annually. Also update after any lapse, major life transition, or when the client identifies a new high-risk situation they didn't see coming.
Is this the same as a safety plan?+
Overlapping but distinct. A safety plan (Stanley-Brown) targets suicidal crisis; a relapse prevention plan targets addictive or compulsive behavior. Clients with both risks need both plans.
Is the worksheet free?+
Yes. Free printable PDF for clinicians. Sign in to TherapistAssist to send as a secure client link or add your practice name.
Worksheet — Relapse Prevention Worksheet — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.
