INTRODUCTIONTOTHERELAPSEPREVENTIONPLAN & QUESTIONS
Relapseis part of the recovery process and it is important for those in recovery to recognize and understand this. The goal of recovery is to prevent relapse however more than 70% of people in recovery relapse at one point or another. It is important to have the proper tools and a plan in place in case you have the urges to use again. Aneffectiveplanrequiresanawarenessofyour owndenialprocessandthe willingness todosomething aboutit. It is also important to acknowledge your individual triggers.Bevigilantaboutexposingyourdenialprocess toyourself and others.
RELAPSE PREVENTION QUESTIONS
To be reviewed in one-to-one sessions with your therapist
You have the information within yourself, which tells you the circumstances that can set you up for relapse. Answer the following questions as honestly as you can. BE FEARLESS!
A. Who are the people with whom you are most likely to use or drink?
1.______
2.______
3.______
B. What feelings place you at greatest risk?
1.______
2.______
3.______
C. What situations or events place you at risk for using? Why?
1.______
2.______
3.______
D. What will be the consequences for you if you relapse?
1.______
2.______
3.______
4.______
RELAPSE WARNING SIGNS
Review times when you have tried to cut back or stop your drinking or drug use. From the following list, check all that apply and choose the FIVE TOP relapse warning signs that signaled your return to unmanageability, or that you think might signal your return to drinking or using in the future You do not have to be experiencing these signs at the moment, but recognize them as requiring attention to prevent them from becoming relapse triggers.Recognizing your individual triggers is important.These Warning Signs will be reviewed in your one-to-one sessions with your therapist.
● Trying to control or run another’s recovery program
● Trying to force your sobriety on others
● Focusing on the past
● Projecting into the future
● Doubtingyour ability to stay sober, but keeping it a secret
● Isolating physically or emotionally
● Depression
● Not having any sober fun
● You’reafraid, but deny it
● Compulsive or impulsive behaviors
● Compulsive sexual behavior
● Attempts to control people, places or things
● Youdon’t believe you will ever have fun sober
● Hoarding money or overspending
● Being defensive
● Increasing physical complaints
● Youdon’t get to know anyone in recovery
● You adopt an “I don’t care” attitude
● Fantasies about social drinking — romanticizing
● Youopenly reject help from others
● Taking on the responsibilities of others — caretaking
● Increasing work dissatisfaction
● You get angry easily, or more easily, than you did in the past
● Youdon’t take positive action to improve your circumstances
● Over-confidence about your recovery
● Daydreaming— “about winning the lottery” or “becoming rich and famous”
● Increasing the use of nonprescription medication — Benadryl, Motrin, etc.
● Lying
● Holding feelings in
● Rejecting help
● Periods of confusion
● Blaming others for your problems
● Feeling powerless and hopeless
● Cutting down or stopping meetings
● Feeling sorry for yourself
● Preoccupation with one area of your life
● Resentments
● Over-reaction to stressful situations
● Hanging around using environments — testing personal control
● Over- or under-sleeping
● Over- or under-eating
● Thinkingyou are cured
● Loss of daily structure
● Starting touse a chemical other than your drug of choice
● Feelings of inferiority or superiority
● Convincing yourself you can practice controlled drinking — insanity
● Nagging/whining
● Immature wish to be happy or make other’s happy
● Losingcontrol
● Insensitivity to the feelings of others
● Seeing problems as unsolvable
● Avoiding dealing with issues or problems
● Unrealistic expectations
THE RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN
This plan is used in conjunction with the Relapse Warning List and List of 20 Triggers. You may use this list as part of a daily inventory to check on your DENIAL STATUS and plan your recovery day around it. Review the list. Identify your warning signs. Look at your feelings, thoughts and behaviors and decide what you will do about it. Consider what normal, unmet need you have going on when you experience a warning sign. How can this need (e.g., belonging, power, love, etc.) be met with a tool from recovery?
Example:
Warning Sign:Hanging around environments where you used to consume drugs or alcohol .
Thought(s):I miss my friends.
Feeling(s):I feel bored and lonely.
Unmet Needs:To be challenged and be a part of a group.
Behavior:I stopped at the bar just to say hello. I had a Coke.
Recovery Action:a. Call my sponsor.
b. Go to a meeting.
c. Make a plan to go to a movie with a sober friend in treatment.
1. Warning Sign:
______
Thought(s):
______
Feeling(s):
______
Unmet Needs:
______
Behavior:
______
Recovery Action:
a.______
b.______
c.______
2. Warning Sign:
______
Thought(s):
______
Feeling(s):
______
Unmet Needs:
______
Behavior:
______Recovery Action:
a.______
b.______
c.______
3. Warning Sign:
______
Thought(s):
______
Feeling(s):
______
Unmet Needs:
______Behavior:______Recovery Action:
a.______
b.______
c.______
INTRODUCTION TO THE RECOVERY PLAN
A Recovery Plan is a commitment to actions which will meet your basic needs. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says, on Page 132, that those in recovery are not a glum lot and absolutely insist on being happy, joyous and free. Having a plan for your unstructured time is critical for preventing relapse. A sober lifestyle progressively becomes fulfilling and joyful, though not necessarily easy. The following plan will ask you to transfer some of the changes you have made in treatment to living in the real world or in your next level of care. Answering questions regarding how you will continue to take care of your fitness, spiritual and emotional health, etc., along with a structured plan for your ongoing recovery program will help you feel fulfilled, while decreasing the chance of relapse.
THE RECOVERY PLAN
Your journey away from addiction and towards sobriety will require certain decisions you will have to make and actions you will have to take along the way. The following Recovery Plan will help you to take appropriate steps to sustain your sober and clean lifestyle.
MEETINGS
List at least one meeting for each day (CONTACT AA, NA, OA, SA, GA, SMART Recovery, local church, meditation group, meetup groups, yoga, or spiritual group IN YOUR HOME AREAS TO FIND TIME AND LOCATIONS OF MEETINGS/GROUPS).
DAY / TIME / NAME OF GROUP / LOCATIONSUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SOBER SUPPORT SYSTEM
These are 12-step groups, sponsor, spiritual mentor, home group, church, spiritual/wellness/interests “meetup” groups, aftercare meetings, sober friends, individual and/or group therapy.
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
PHYSICAL HEALTH
General condition, eating and/or sleeping habits, exercise, any special problems or needs.
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Resentments toward persons and/or situations, feelings of guilt, anxiety, numbness, anger, joy,
happiness, freedom, and/or serenity.
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
SPIRITUAL HEALTH
What questions or concerns do I have about myself as a spiritual being?
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
RELATIONSHIPS
Learning to be responsible and accountable in relationships is a part of recovery. Am I being attentive to all aspects of my intimate relationships?
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
EMPLOYMENT
Do I have a job to return to? Do I need to find gainful employment? Do I need to go back to
school or get special training?
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
FINANCIAL
Do I have some financial wreckage of the past to clear up: debts, loans, credit cards, family,
friends?
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
HOUSING
Where will I create my safe environment in order to continue my recovery?
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
RECREATIONAL INTERACTIONS
How will I play?
Where do I stand?
______
Where would I like to be?
______
What steps will I take?
______
When1 week______
1 month______
3 months______
6 months______
1 year______
Patient’s Signature______Date______
Therapist’s Signature______Date______