According to Terence T. Gorski, an internationally renowned addictions therapist, recovery program developer and clinical trainer, between 40 and 80 percent of substance addicted patients treated on an inpatient or outpatient basis are relapse prone. The majority of addiction treatment programs have a significant population of attendees returning to treatment because of relapse. The high rate of relapse in the substance-addicted population makes having treatment programs with specialized prevention methods important to decrease the incidence of returning to substance use. Components of an effective relapse prevention program focuses on stopping relapse immediately should it occur, implementing early intervention strategies and teaching the recovering person how to recognize relapse signs.
History and Assessment
The initial assessment process is a significant portion of identifying the treatment needs of the recovering person. The Mayo Clinic notes that the initial diagnosis for substance dependence occurs prior to treatment, however, diagnosis is not enough to implement the necessary strategies for relapse-prone individuals. Gorski explains that the assessment process takes an in-depth analysis of the individual's history of substance use, former relapses and patterns that recur prior to relapse. Relapse prevention programs that screen and evaluate the recovering person's history and current situation facilitate placement of the individual in a program that best fits his therapeutic needs.
Identifies Risks and Triggers
According to Alberta Health Services, a recovering individual faces risky situations on a regular basis. Treatment terminology uses the phrase high-risk situations to denote any event with or without other people that may induce feelings of self-doubt or cravings for the substance. Relapse prevention programs aim to assist the individual in identifying the warning signs or triggers that elicit a desire to return to use. Gorski explains the component of treatment that deals with risks and triggers teaches the individual to become aware of irrational thinking patterns and the accompanying feelings so he can develop a rational plan for coping that does not include substance use. Creating a working relapse prevention plan is also part of this process.
Rapid Response and Early Intervention
In the event of substance use, a program that offers immediate intervention and response to the individual offers a greater chance of quick recovery from the relapse. According to Addiction Alternatives, this is part of re-stabilizing after relapse. The notion of early intervention is made available to the recovering person prior to relapse. This involves the treatment program relaying, should a problem occur, that the individual may return to the program for support, motivation and intervention.
Specialized Education
Individuals in recovery are often at different points of managing symptoms and life from a sober perspective. AddictionsandRecovery.org explains that for some, a condition referred to as post-acute withdrawal occurs from a week to a year after abstinence is achieved. Specializing the education process of treatment offers the individual a means for ongoing learning in recovery. Gorski notes that this component of a program includes offering group therapy, individual therapy and education groups. In some instances, this portion of the program is intended for individuals in a similar process rather than integration with others in differing phases of the recovery process.
Provide Long-term Structure
Maintenance of recovery hinges on the individual continuing structure in his life as well as the option of a structured outpatient treatment program. Gorski further notes that the best way to reduce the incidence of relapse and the social cost of addiction is for programs to offer long-term and ongoing relapse prevention groups. Addiction Alternatives notes that ongoing outpatient treatment provides continual reinforcement of change and can intervene in potential relapses early when the warning signs present.
