CADC Relapse Prevention and Recovery Support 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Marlatt and Gordon's Relapse Prevention model, which of the following is considered the MOST common high-risk situation for relapse?
- Positive emotional states
- Negative emotional states (Correct answer)
- Social pressure from family
- Environmental cues from past use
Correct answer: Negative emotional states
Marlatt and Gordon's research found that negative emotional states, such as frustration, anger, and depression, are the most frequently reported triggers for relapse.
Question 2: The 'Abstinence Violation Effect' (AVE) described in Relapse Prevention theory refers to:
- The physical symptoms that occur when a person stops using substances
- The cognitive and emotional response following a lapse that increases the risk of full relapse (Correct answer)
- A legal consequence for violating the terms of an abstinence contract
- A counselor's response when a client violates a treatment agreement
Correct answer: The cognitive and emotional response following a lapse that increases the risk of full relapse
The AVE describes how a person who lapses may feel guilt and loss of control, leading them to think 'I've already failed' and continue using, escalating the lapse to full relapse.
Question 3: In Relapse Prevention counseling, teaching a client to identify 'HALT' is MOST useful for:
- Recognizing the physical signs of intoxication
- Identifying common internal relapse triggers (Correct answer)
- Understanding the stages of change
- Developing a crisis safety plan
Correct answer: Identifying common internal relapse triggers
HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) is a simple mnemonic that helps clients recognize internal states that increase vulnerability to cravings and relapse.
Question 4: Which of the following BEST describes a 'lapse' versus a 'relapse' in addiction recovery?
- A lapse is any substance use; a relapse only occurs after 30 days of abstinence
- A lapse is a single episode of use; a relapse is a return to regular, problematic patterns of use (Correct answer)
- A lapse involves alcohol only; a relapse involves illicit drugs
- There is no clinical distinction between a lapse and a relapse
Correct answer: A lapse is a single episode of use; a relapse is a return to regular, problematic patterns of use
A lapse refers to an isolated episode of substance use, while a relapse involves a sustained return to problematic use patterns; the distinction is clinically important for treatment planning.
Question 5: A key component of a Relapse Prevention Plan developed with a CADC client should include:
- A list of rationalizations to justify future use
- Identified warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts (Correct answer)
- A guaranteed timeline for achieving long-term recovery
- A medication regimen prescribed by the counselor
Correct answer: Identified warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts
An effective Relapse Prevention Plan includes personalized warning signs, specific coping strategies for high-risk situations, and emergency contacts to use during a crisis.
Question 6: In the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change), a client in the 'Maintenance' stage is BEST characterized by:
- Considering making changes within the next 6 months
- Actively working to prevent relapse and sustain behavior change beyond 6 months (Correct answer)
- Just beginning to take action toward change
- Unaware of or not concerned about their substance use
Correct answer: Actively working to prevent relapse and sustain behavior change beyond 6 months
The Maintenance stage involves sustaining behavioral changes made in the Action stage, with a primary focus on preventing relapse, and is typically defined as lasting more than 6 months.
CADC Relapse Prevention and Recovery Support 1
According to Marlatt and Gordon's Relapse Prevention model, which of the following is considered the MOST common high-risk situation for relapse?