Relapse Prevention: Maintenance Strategies in the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors

by G. Alan Marlatt (Editor), Judith R. Gordon (Editor)

This book provides a framework for helping individuals with addictive behavior problems develop the skills to remain abstinent once they have kicked the habit, whatever the habit in question may be. The all-or-nothing dichotomy of traditional treatment strategies--e.g., "You're only one drink away from a drunk"--is rejected in favor of a more pragmatic, optimistic approach that regards one slip back to earlier behaviors as a lapse rather than a total relapse. The focus is on the development of new adaptive behaviors, cognitions, and general problem-solving skills to enhance the individual's sense of self-control and ability to cope with high-risk situations. Methods demonstrated include cognitive assessment and intervention, imagery, relapse rehearsal, relaxation training, stress management, and lifestyle modification. Grounded in research and illustrated with numerous clinical vignettes, the book provides innovative strategies for helping clients make and maintain positive changes in their lives.

Genres: Psychology, Addiction

558 pages, Hardcover

First published February 20, 1985

Reviews

[Mark Manderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly heavy read that has so many references in the text it's hard to get a flow.
The underlying message focused on:
Coping as a CRITICAL factor in preventing relapse, emotional states as predictors in relapse, and how lack of negative consequences increase risk of relapse.

[Yeung To Wong]

Chapter 1

[Collin Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any one counseling in the substance use field. I tend to be a motivational interviewing kind of guy but relapse prevention still remains an essential type of intervention I find myself using often.