Relapse prevention is a psychotherapeutic model used to help individuals manage and reduce the risk of relapse for various types of mental health issues, including substance abuse and other addictions. The model is based on the idea that relapse is a process that begins with a set of warning signs and progresses through a series of stages, leading to the actual relapse. This article will provide an overview of the relapse-prevention model, its components, and its efficacy.
The relapse-prevention model was first developed by Marlatt and Gordon in 1985. It is a cognitive-behavioral approach that focuses on changing an individual’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in order to prevent a relapse. The model has several components, including: identifying triggers and high-risk situations; developing coping strategies; enhancing self-efficacy; building social supports; and maintaining motivation.
The first step in the relapse-prevention model is to identify triggers and high-risk situations. Triggers are events, people, places, or activities that can lead to the use of a substance or other behavior that could result in a relapse. High-risk situations are those in which an individual is more likely to relapse. Identifying these triggers and high-risk situations can help an individual develop strategies to avoid them or cope with them if they do arise.
The second step in the model is to develop coping strategies. These strategies are designed to help an individual manage the urge to use a substance or engage in other behaviors that could lead to a relapse. Coping strategies can include activities such as mindfulness, deep breathing, physical exercise, or engaging in a healthy hobby.
The third step is to enhance self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the belief that one can successfully manage a situation. Enhancing self-efficacy can help an individual feel more confident in his or her ability to manage triggers and high-risk situations.
The fourth step is to build social supports. Social supports are people or organizations that can provide support and encouragement during times of difficulty. This could include family, friends, support groups, or counseling.
The fifth step is to maintain motivation. Motivation is the desire to achieve a goal. It is important for individuals to maintain a positive attitude and remain motivated to stay on track with their recovery.
Finally, the sixth step is to monitor progress. Monitoring progress is essential to ensure that the individual is making progress toward his or her goals.
The relapse-prevention model has been found to be effective in helping individuals reduce their risk of relapse. In a study of individuals in substance abuse treatment, those who participated in a relapse-prevention program were twice as likely to remain abstinent from substances after six months compared to those who did not participate in the program (Brewer et al., 2017).
In conclusion, the relapse-prevention model is a cognitive-behavioral approach that focuses on changing an individual’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in order to prevent a relapse. It has several components, including identifying triggers and high-risk situations, developing coping strategies, enhancing self-efficacy, building social supports, and maintaining motivation. The model has been found to be effective in reducing the risk of relapse for individuals in substance abuse treatment.
References
Brewer, M. A., Trim, R. S., King, K. M., Walker, D. D., & Carroll, K. M. (2017). Efficacy of relapse prevention for alcohol and drug problems: A meta-analytic review. Addiction, 112(4), 569–579. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13652
Marlatt, G. A., & Gordon, J. R. (1985). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. New York: Guilford Press.