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From DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition  by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha M. Linehan. Permission 
to photocopy this handout is granted to purchasers of this book for personal use only (see copyright page for details).distress tolerance Handout 17a   (Distress Tolerance Worksheet 14)
planning for Dialectical a bstinence
plan for abstinence
 1. Enjoy your success, but with a clear mind; plan for temptations to relapse.
 2. Spend time or touch base with people who will reinforce you for abstinence.
 3. Plan reinforcing activities to do instead of addictive behaviors.
 4. Burn bridges: Avoid cues and high-risk situations for addictive behaviors.
 5. Build new bridges: Develop images, smells, and mental activities (such as, 
urge surfing) to compete with information associated with craving.
 6. Find alternative ways to rebel.
 7. Publicly announce abstinence; deny any idea of lapsing to addiction.
plan for h arm r eduction
 1. Call your therapist, sponsor, or mentor for skills coaching.
 2. Get in contact with other effective people who can help.
 3. Get rid of temptations; surround yourself with cues for effective behaviors.
 4. Review skills and handouts from DBT.
 5. Opposite action (Emotion Regulation Handout 10) can be rehearsed to fight guilt and shame. If no other option works, go to an anonymous 
meeting of any sort and publicly report your lapse.