ABSTRACT
A distinction is drawn between the concept of “relapse” that William Miller describes as being judgmental and that conveys a sense of failure and engenders feelings of shame, blame and demoralization, versus the value of incorporating Relapse Prevention Skills.
This module discusses ways that individuals can develop Relapse Prevention Skills in the form of creating a risk diary, deliberately practicing coping skills, learning ways to handle urges and cravings, as well as lapses, so they do not escalate into full-scale relapses. A detailed list of possible triggers (for example, drug materials), negative and positive emotions and thought patterns are enumerated for self-assessment purposes. A Recovery Voice case illustrates the way to create a Sobriety Script and how to plan ahead in order to anticipate and address potential challenges and barriers to recovery.
