Relapse rehearsal

Relapse rehearsal is a way to plan ahead for how your client will successfully negotiate a lapse or relapse, should one occur. The goal is to circumvent the duration and severity of the lapse or relapse event by practicing for how to respond to such an event ahead of time. In addition, the relapse rehearsal can include a plan for circumventing the relapse chain of events before a client slips. The relapse rehearsal also can reduce the risk of a poor coping response, or even a slip or relapse should the chain progress that far. The goal is to develop a stay-safe plan for the client before he or she is even at risk, in hopes that the plan can be implemented quickly if needed when the risk arises. 

The counselor or therapist helps the client develop a step-by-step response to a lapse/relapse scenario. Clients are oriented by being told that lapses or relapses are common among many people attempting to change drug problems, but that such events are not inevitable. Then clients are told that planning ahead for possible slips is prudent, since it allows for safety plans to be developed in case of emergency. The plans may never be implemented, but they are there if needed. 

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If a client does slip or relapse, it does not mean that progress is arrested or that treatment has not succeeded. Remember, lapses and relapses provide opportunities for clients to grow and for recovery plans to be improved. In addition, there are strategies that can be used to reduce the duration and severity of a lapse or relapse. The first intervention upon a lapse or relapse occurs well before it happens, when you and your client develop a relapse plan and use relapse rehearsal in session. In this way, you teach the client to respond to a lapse or relapse by actively seeking help and by doing something differently. 

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