Relapse Prevention Plan
A structured, individualized document identifying triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies designed to help a person sustain recovery from substance use or mental health symptoms.
Full Definition
A relapse prevention plan (RPP) is a collaboratively developed clinical tool that helps individuals in recovery from substance use disorders or recurring psychiatric episodes anticipate and manage high-risk situations. It typically includes personalized identification of internal and external triggers, early warning signs, coping skills, crisis contacts, and steps to take if relapse occurs. In substance use contexts, the plan is often informed by cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention models pioneered by Marlatt and Gordon. In mental health contexts, it may overlap with a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) but is more clinically prescriptive. Editors should note that 'relapse prevention' is always two words and should not be hyphenated as a noun phrase.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with a safety plan, which addresses immediate suicidality, or a crisis plan, which covers acute psychiatric decompensation. Each is a distinct document type in behavioral health records.
In Context
- "Before discharge, the counselor reviewed the completed relapse prevention plan with the client and confirmed that emergency contact numbers were current." — Discharge summary
- "The relapse prevention plan identified social isolation and financial stress as the client's two highest-risk triggers for alcohol use." — Treatment plan documentation