What is the best approach to relapse prevention planning?

• A. Focus on medication only
• B. Ignore triggers and rely on self-control
• C. Wait for relapse to occur before adjusting plan
• D. Identify high-risk situations and develop coping strategies in advance

Answer: (D)

Relapse prevention planning works best when you actively identify high-risk situations and develop coping strategies in advance. The idea is to anticipate the moments that make relapse more likely—like times of stress, negative emotions, exposure to triggers, or certain social settings—and prepare concrete, accessible ways to respond rather than leaving yourself to willpower. This proactive approach builds a toolkit: urge-delaying techniques, distraction, problem-solving steps, reaching out for support, and using any prescribed medical or therapeutic strategies as part of a broader plan. By rehearsing these responses ahead of time, slips can be managed without spiraling into full relapse, and the plan can be adjusted as circumstances change. Focusing only on medication, ignoring triggers, or waiting for relapse to happen before making changes are reactive and leave you unprepared for real-time challenges.