ABSTRACT
Psychoactive drugs are rewarding.1 However, this does not explain why some people become ‘addicted’. Not everyone takes drugs or drinks, and not all people who use drugs or alcohol take substances all the time. Relapse happens, sometimes aft er only a brief period of abstinence, sometimes aft er much longer. It is unfortunate that relapse is a common outcome from substance use treatment! Th e process of helping individuals to tackle the risk of relapse, especially cues and triggers, that are associated with, and lead to, substance use is a common element of relapse prevention. Similarly, examination of relapse signatures – those circumstances and factors that can lead to crises and deterioration in mental well-being – can be used by the professional to aid the individual in learning coping strategies to avoid relapse.2 For individuals who experience mental health-substance use concerns and dilemmas, cues and triggers experienced are likely to be similar to any other person who uses substances. However, they will almost certainly experience cues and triggers associated with the mental health problems too.
