Relapse Prevention the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors Term Paper

Relapse Prevention the Treatment of Addictive Behaviors - Term Paper Example In most cases, such individuals attempt to quit completely or try to modify such addictive behaviors such as by reducing their alcohol intake or smoking (Fisher and Harrison 2). A majority of individuals who make attempts in most cases become successful in changing such behaviors. However, among those who make attempts by seeking medical attention to change addictive behaviors, about 60 to 80% is seen to return to the same behavior after some time (Jonson 765). This is what is termed as relapse. Despite all the challenges that an individual faces in an attempt to move away from addictive behavior, it is necessary that such individuals be helped to cope with the challenge. Johnson (766) argues that the ultimate goal of relapse prevention and recycling success entails helping such individuals stop drug abuse or help them become more successful as they learn from experience. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on relapse prevention and substance abuse. Johnson (769) notes that interventions designed for relapse prevention have been made under the clinical application of Marlatt and Gordon’s model. The model came about after the advent of a focus on maintenance and relapse prevention. Under this model, interventions are designed so as to enhance the maintenance of behavior change and to ensure that there are self-management and skills for withstanding the challenges posed by relapses (Fisher and Harrison 12). Johnson notes that relapse prevention goals are twofold: preventing initial relapse and management of relapse to abate a complete relapse in case it fails to occur. Nevertheless, treatment goals based on the reduction of harm and reduction of substance use have also been tried. The effectiveness of relapse prevention models have been reviewed with regard to different substances and then matched with numerous intervention alternatives.