According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, and the Hazelden Clinic, a leading substance abuse treatment center, Terence T. Gorski is the president of the CENAPS Corp., an organization that trains counselors in a model of substance abuse treatment called Relapse Prevention Therapy. This method has been in use since the early 1970s and is widely used in outpatient substance abuse treatment.
Goals
According to documentation Gorski prepared for NIDA, the goals of the CENAPS Model of Relapse Prevention Therapy are summarized in five major objectives. Patients complete a self-assessment that provides detailed information about their lives, addiction and relapse histories. Using this background information, treatment specialists aim to build a list of relapse warning signs. Relapse management plans help to prevent potential relapse, and early intervention plans serve to interrupt a relapse if one occurs.
Treatment Modalities
Gorski notes that the therapy includes both group and individual counseling. The group counseling sessions have a focus on problem-solving, with specific group rules, responsibilities, and a format for meetings. The format for group meetings follows an eight-step therapy protocol that includes reflections on past sessions as well as time for group members to discuss personal problems and get input and feedback from the rest of the group. This group treatment method is seen as essential to the management of key life stressors, which often cause episodes of relapse. Incidence of relapse is therefore reduced by building interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
Treatment Setting
Gorski notes that the therapy is best used in an intensive outpatient setting, with a minimum of 12 group therapy sessions and 10 individual therapy sessions. Clients with co-occurring mental or neurological disorders may take longer to complete a course of treatment. Gorski notes that clients typically require detoxification and stabilization in a residential facility prior to starting this treatment. Clients who experience relapse may need to be readmitted to a residential facility for a period of stabilization.
Associated Treatments and Self-Help
Gorski notes that the therapy is an abstinence-based recovery program that views alcoholism and substance abuse as a disease. It is designed to be used with 12-step treatment programs and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Ongoing support groups called Relapse Prevention Support Groups are offered to clients, and family therapy is often combined with these groups, helping family members to identify and manage signs of relapse.
Counselor Training and Qualifications
Gorski notes that clinicians who have a high level of training in the field of chemical addiction are most effective at implementing the therapy. Clinicians are encouraged to read materials on relapse prevention and complete a 6.5 day certification course. Gorski notes that an ideal counselor will have a personal history with alcohol dependency and relapse and a minimum of five years of consistent, uninterrupted sobriety. In addition, counselors should ideally possess a master's degree or above, with specific training in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
