The role of attributions in abstinence, lapse, and relapse following substance abuse treatment


This study examined the role of attributions in the lapse and relapse process following substance abuse treatment. According to Marlatt and Gordon’s theoretical framework, attributions made after a lapse (e.g., the Abstinence Violation Effect [AVE]) determine whether it progresses to a relapse. Also examined were the attributions of recovering drug users who were tempted but remained abstinent (never lapsed). Ninety-seven participants were recruited from an inpatient treatment center for substance abuse and completed an interview 6 months after leaving treatment. Predictions made by the AVE were not supported in that lapsers and relapsers were similar regarding their internal/external attributions following a return to drug use; predictions were supported as relapsers made more stable and global attributions as compared to lapsers.

  • Thus, a biological predisposition toward greater than average weight gain could lead to preoccupation with body weight and food intake in bulimia nervosa.
  • Conversely, the hypothesized result of a failure to cope with a high-risk situation is a decrease in a sense of self-efficacy, which in turn increases the probability of relapse.
  • Efforts to develop, test and refine theoretical models are critical to enhancing the understanding and prevention of relapse [1,2,14].
  • As noted by McLellan [138] and others [124], it is imperative that policy makers support adoption of treatments that incorporate a continuing care approach, such that addictions treatment is considered from a chronic (rather than acute) care perspective.

Moreover, 87.1% of G allele carriers who received NTX were classified as having a good clinical outcome at study endpoint, versus 54.5% of Asn40 homozygotes who received NTX. (Moderating effects of OPRM1 were specific to participants receiving medication management without the cognitive-behavioral intervention [CBI] and were not evident in participants receiving NTX and CBI). A smaller placebo controlled study has also found evidence for better responses to NTX among Asp40 carriers [94]. One study found that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the Asp40 allele predicted cue-elicited craving among individuals low in baseline craving but not those high in initial craving, suggesting that tonic craving could interact with genotype to predict phasic responses to drug cues [97]. Elucidating the “active ingredients” of CBT treatments remains an important and challenging goal. Consistent with the RP model, changes in coping skills, self-efficacy and/or outcome expectancies are the primary putative mechanisms by which CBT-based interventions work [126].

How Does The Abstinence Violation Effect Occur?

As outlined in this review, the last decade has seen notable developments in the RP literature, including significant expansion of empirical work with relevance to the RP model. Overall, many basic tenets of the RP model have received support and findings regarding its clinical effectiveness have generally been supportive. RP modules are standard to virtually all psychosocial interventions for substance use [17] and an increasing number of self-help manuals are available to assist both therapists and clients.

Relapse – Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Relapse.

Posted: Wed, 30 Nov 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

For example, clients can be encouraged to increase their engagement in rewarding or stress-reducing activities into their daily routine. Overall, the RP model is characterized by a highly ideographic treatment approach, a contrast to the “one size fits all” approach typical of certain traditional treatments. Moreover, an emphasis on post-treatment maintenance renders RP a useful adjunct to various treatment abstinence violation effect modalities (e.g., cognitive-behavioral, twelve step programs, pharmacotherapy), irrespective of the strategies used to enact initial behavior change. Because relapse is the most common outcome of treatment for addictions, it must be addressed, anticipated, and prepared for during treatment. The RP model views relapse not as a failure, but as part of the recovery process and an opportunity for learning.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance use Disorders

Nevertheless, these studies were useful in identifying limitations and qualifications of the RP taxonomy and generated valuable suggestions [121]. A key contribution of the reformulated relapse model is to highlight the need for non-traditional assessment and analytic approaches to better understand relapse. Most studies of relapse rely on statistical methods that assume continuous linear relationships, but these methods may be inadequate for studying a behavior characterized by discontinuity and abrupt changes [33].

Abstinence Violation Effect and its role in Relapse Prevention Treatment

Thus, a biological predisposition toward greater than average weight gain could lead to preoccupation with body weight and food intake in bulimia nervosa. In order to cope or avoid these damaging thoughts, these individuals turn back to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. This model notes that those who have the latter mindset are proactive and strive to learn from their mistakes. To do so, they adapt their coping strategies to better deal with future triggers should they arise. This protects their sobriety and enhances their ability to protect themselves from future threats of relapse. In a study by McCrady evaluating the effectiveness of psychological interventions for alcohol use disorder such as Brief Interventions and Relapse Prevention was classified as efficacious23.

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention

The following sections provide an overview of major theoretical, empirical and applied advances related to RP over the last decade. Helping clients develop positive addictions or substitute indulgences (e.g. jogging, meditation, relaxation, exercise, hobbies, or creative tasks) also help to balance their lifestyle6. RehabCenter.net is intended for educational purposes only and is not designed to provide medical advice of any kind. Any information found on RehabCenter.net should never be used to diagnose a disease or health problem, and in no way replaces or substitutes professional care.

  • If the reason for the violation is attributed to internal, stable, and/or global factors, such as lack of willpower or possession of an underlying disease, then the individual is more likely to have a full-blown relapse after the initial violation occurs.
  • Many therapies (both behavioral and pharmacological) have been developed to help individuals cease or reduce addictive behaviors and it is critical to refine strategies for helping individuals maintain treatment goals.
  • Moreover, this finding appeared attributable to individual differences in baseline (tonic) levels of SE.
  • In this technique, the client is first taught to label internal sensations and cognitive preoccupations as an urge, and to foster an attitude of detachment from that urge.

First, in the context of pharmacotherapy interventions, relevant genetic variations can impact drug pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, thereby moderating treatment response (pharmacogenetics). Second, the likelihood of abstinence following a behavioral or pharmacological intervention can be moderated by genetic influences on metabolic processes, receptor activity/expression, and/or incentive value specific to the addictive substance in question. Specific intervention strategies include helping the person identify and cope with high-risk situations, eliminating myths regarding a drug’s effects, managing lapses, and addressing misperceptions about the relapse process. Other more general strategies include helping the person develop positive addictions and employing stimulus-control and urge-management techniques. Ultimately, individuals who are struggling with behavior change often find that making the initial change is not as difficult as maintaining behavior changes over time. Many therapies (both behavioral and pharmacological) have been developed to help individuals cease or reduce addictive behaviors and it is critical to refine strategies for helping individuals maintain treatment goals.