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Relapse Prevention: Introduction and Overview of the Model
Author(s) -
Marlatt G. Alan,
George William H.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
british journal of addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0952-0481
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1984.tb03867.x
Subject(s) - addiction , relapse prevention , psychological intervention , habit , intervention (counseling) , psychology , coping (psychology) , psychotherapist , perspective (graphical) , medicine , clinical psychology , computer science , psychiatry , artificial intelligence
Summary As an introductory overview of the Relapse Prevention (RP) model, this article briefly describes the conceptual and clinical features of the RP approach to altering excessive or addictive behaviour patterns. In contrast with traditional approaches that overemphasize initial habit change, RP focuses more on the maintenance phase of the habit change process. From this perspective, relapse is not viewed merely as an indicator of treatment failure. Instead, potential and actual episodes are key targets for both proactive and reactive intervention strategies. RP treatment procedures include specific intervention techniques designed to teach the individual to effectively anticipate and cope with potential relapse situations. Also included are more global lifestyle interventions aimed at improving overall coping skills and promoting health and well being. Important questions raised by this relatively recent alternative to traditional approaches are discussed.