Transtheoretical stages of change model

Relapse does not just suddenly happen without warning or without reason. Research into the processes of relapse has identified a rather predictable chain of events that lead up to it (see Figure 7.1). Moreover, the fact that a client slips into old behavior once does not mean all is lost. On the contrary, a slip offers a tremendous opportunity for both client and therapist or counselor to improve upon the recovery plan. A slip identifies a weakness in the recovery plan and offers an indication of how to improve it. Remembering the transtheoretical stages of change model (see Chapter 3), a relapse is viewed as part of the change cycle and as a fairly common occurrence when a person learns how to overcome a drug problem. So there is no need to panic if a relapse occurs. 

---