Empowering families affected by substance use

A crisis plan can help you deal with a crisis or emergency situation. Your plan should include information, strategies and concrete steps for handling difficult situations that may arise. Creating a plan in advance in collaboration with your relative can help alleviate a lot of the stress at a time when things may be more tense.

Make sure your relative is actively involved and participates in the discussion when they are well so their preferences are heard and respected. Having a crisis plan shifts the focus from being reactive, fearful and tense as you wait for things to happen, to being proactive and prepared for a crisis or emergency.

Making a plan is a process. You should periodically update a crisis plan so it reflects the situation you and your relative are facing. For example, who you call on for support may change over time.