Although I do not feel as though I am going to relapse, I need to remember that relapse can happen to anyone. I found this Relapse prevention plan online and thought that it could be helpful to complete. If you like I can post my completed relapse prevention plan once I finish it but I also wanted to share the template, as I though you may also like to complete it too. :)

Relapse Prevention Plan

Recovering from an eating disorder takes time. You did not develop your eating disorder over night and it will not go away that quickly either. It is important to remember that no one can recover perfectly and there will be slips and relapses during the recovery process. This is normal and it is to be expected. The Relapse Prevention Plan is something that may be helpful to you in preventing a lapse from becoming a relapse.

Remember; Relapse is never planned, but prevention of a relapse can be.

Begin by making a list of the behaviors and strategies that have been useful to you in your recovery so far. Some things you might include in this list are: eating regular meals, planning meals and snacks, regular food shopping, keeping a food log, self-care activities, etc. It will be important to keep using these strategies for the near future and to return to them at the first signs of trouble.

My List of Recovery Behaviors and Strategies

1._____________________________________________________________________

2._____________________________________________________________________

3._____________________________________________________________________

4._____________________________________________________________________

5._____________________________________________________________________

6._____________________________________________________________________

7._____________________________________________________________________

8._____________________________________________________________________

9._____________________________________________________________________

10._____________________________________________________________________

2. Next make a list of high risk situations which may increase the risk for slips and relapses. Below are some things you may want to include on your list:

Stress and/or a busy schedule which makes planning meals difficult
Becoming overwhelmed by feelings and emotions
Loss of a family member, friend, etc.
Marital, social or family problems
Change in schedule (such as going on summer break) or a move (going away to school, etc.)
Weight gain
Dieting or any form or food restriction
Missing a meal or snack
Juice cleanses and detox efforts
Being under the influence of a diet guru or overly health conscious person
Having friends or family who diet
Following any form or restrictive eating plan
Being in unfamiliar food environments and/or having unrestricted access to food (at a buffet, holiday, or potluck for example)
Getting weighed at the doctor
Shopping for clothes
Pregnancy
Dating
Others commenting on your weight
Health problems

You may use suggestions from the list above or create your own list of high risk situations that you feel may increase your risk for a slip or relapse:

__________________________________ ___________________________________

3. Become familiar with some of the early warning signs of a relapse.

Choose at least 5 of those warning signs that are relevant to you, and for each, write down at least one strategy that would help you cope with that warning sign and get you back on track:

(You may list more than on way to cope for each situation.)

__________________________________ ___________________________________

In times of crisis, it can be difficult to remember healthy ways of coping. Many people in crisis do resort to familiar ways of coping. Making a plan ahead of time can be helpful. Make a list of 10 things you can do instead of reverting to eating disordered behaviors as a way to cope. After the list is completed, keep it in a place where it can be accessed when needed. (i.e. refrigerator, cupboard, etc.)