Relapse Prevention Model

Relapse prevention and continuing care for Jim is an essential part of his treatment plan. Jim will come to terms with the fact that relapse does not mean failure, but can be taken as a learning experience (Stringer, 2007). It is critical to view relapse prevention and the continuing of care through a positive outlook (Stringer, 2007). I have incorporated the relapse prevention model into Jim’s treatment. Through the relapse prevention model, Jim will receive psychoeducation, behavior skill training, and cognitive intervention techniques. The psychoeducation will help Jim come to terms with relapse (Marlatt & George, 1984). Jim will learn to become aware of his negative emotional states, interpersonal conflict, and social pressures (Marlatt & George, 1984).
Jim will need to continue working on his emotions for his lost friend and begin the grieving process in a therapeutic way instead of turning to drugs. Jim will continue to have interpersonal issues regarding his drug abusive past, but will take responsibility for himself and his actions. The second part of the relapse prevention model is skills training. Jim will learn to recognize high-risk situations and his responses to these situations (Marlatt & George, 1984). Jim will be able to identify the high-risk environments and situations leading to potential triggers. The last part of the relapse prevention model is cognitive intervention techniques. Jim will use cognitive imagery when he is feeling weak and discouraged (Marlatt & George, 1984). Cognitive imagery can be used to cope with early warning signs of relapse by changing the way Jim perceives the situation (Marlatt & George,