relapse prevention
Also written as: RP
Therapeutic approach teaching strategies to maintain sobriety and prevent return to substance use.
Full Definition
Relapse prevention is a cognitive-behavioral approach to addiction treatment that focuses on identifying high-risk situations and developing coping strategies to maintain abstinence or reduce the severity of relapse episodes. Developed by Marlatt and Gordon, the model teaches clients to recognize warning signs, manage cravings, and develop alternative responses to triggers. Key components include identifying personal triggers, developing a relapse prevention plan, learning coping skills, and understanding the difference between a lapse (brief return to use) and full relapse. The approach emphasizes that relapse is often part of the recovery process, not a treatment failure.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound adjective; emphasize this is preventive planning, not reactive treatment.
In Context
- "The relapse prevention group meets weekly to practice coping skills and review personal trigger management." — group therapy schedule
- "Relapse prevention planning is an essential component of comprehensive addiction treatment." — clinical practice guideline