Self-Management Skills—Relapse Prevention

used under the public domain from SAMHSA TIP 44

This informational page does not provide a diagnosis of drug abuse, drug dependence, or any other coexisting medical condition. The information provided here cannot substitute for a full evaluation by a certified substance abuse counselor, doctor, or drug rehab facility. It should only be used as a guide to understanding your alcohol use, drug use, and some treatment options that are available if you go to a addiction rehab facility. Information is provided here for harm reduction and educational purposes only.

 

Once personal change occurs during treatment, a sustained effort is required to maintain that change, namely relapse prevention and recovery planning. Relapse prevention is “a systematic method of teaching recovering patients to recognize and manage relapse warning signs” (Gorski and Kelley 1996, p. 15).

 

Spiritual Approaches

Spiritual approaches have been used in combination with substance abuse treatment services and can provide powerful tools for some to achieve sustained abstinence. Many of the “transformational” aspects in religion are similar to effective treatment components, especially relevant in self-help and therapeutic community approaches. Some examples of the common elements include the concept of transformation, credible role models, behavioral rules, the centrality of positive social values, community membership and participation, rituals and celebrations, and stages of change.

 

12 Step Programs

Treatment programs can also accommodate voluntary 12-Step groups that do not explicitly endorse any one religion.