The Relapse Prevention (RP) group is a central component of the Intensive Outpatient Programme. Like the other modules, this is an integral part of the programme but can also be taken as a stand-alone series within an aftercare, secondary or tertiary care programme.

This group meets 32 times during Phases 1 & 2 of the programme. Each RP group session lasts approximately 90 minutes and addresses a specific topic. These sessions are forums in which people with substance use disorders share information about relapse prevention and receive assistance in coping with the issues of recovery and relapse avoidance. The RP group is based on the following premises:

·         Relapse is not a random event.

·         The process of relapse follows predictable patterns.

·         Signs of impending relapse can be identified by staff members and clients.

 The RP group setting allows for mutual client assistance within the guiding constraints provided by the counselor. Clients heading toward relapse can be redirected, and those on a sound course to recovery can be encouraged. The counselor who sees clients for prescribed Individual/Conjoint sessions and a client  coleader facilitate the RP group sessions

Goals of Relapse Prevention Group

·         Allow clients to interact with other people in recovery.

·         Alert clients to the pitfalls of recovery and precursors of relapse.

·         Give clients the strategies and tools to use in sustaining their recovery.

·         Allow group members to benefit from the long-term sobriety experience of the recovering Co-Leader.

·         Allow the counsellor to witness the personal interactions of clients.

·         Allow clients to benefit from participating in a long-term group experience

Components of RP Groups:

 1 Alcohol

Clients learn how alcohol can jeopardize recovery. Clients discuss and plan for situations in which they are likely to drink.

2 Boredom

Clients learn that boredom in recovery is to be expected and will diminish over time. Clients discuss activities to help alleviate boredom.

3 Avoiding Relapse Drift

Clients learn about relapse drift and discuss things that anchor their recovery.

4 Work and Recovery

Clients learn how their work life affects their recovery and explore ways to balance work and recovery.

5 Guilt and Shame

Clients learn to distinguish between guilt and shame and discuss ways to cope with each.

6 Staying Busy

Clients learn that idle time can be a trigger and discuss how scheduling activities can help them avoid relapse.

7 Motivation for Recovery

Clients learn that the same motivation that brought them to treatment may not sustain them. They discuss new motivations and strategies for staying abstinent.

8 Truthfulness

Clients learn that although truthfulness is not always easy, it is integral to successful recovery. They discuss the consequences and benefits of always telling the truth.

9 Total Abstinence

Clients learn that substance use of any kind will cloud their decision-making and endanger recovery. They  discuss changes they must make to eliminate all substance use.

10 Sex and Recovery

Clients learn that impulsive sex can be a form of dependence and can lead to relapse. Clients discuss the ways that stable relationships can contribute to recovery.

11 Anticipating and Preventing Relapse

Clients learn to recognize the warning signs of relapse and explore strategies for avoiding relapse.

12 Trust

Clients learn the necessity of restoring lost trust and discuss ways to cope with being suspected of continued substance abuse.

13 Be Smart, Not Strong

Clients learn that recovery is not a test of will but of commitment and smart planning. Clients discuss the efficacy of their approach to recovery.

14 Defining Spirituality

Clients explore the difference between spirituality and religion and discuss ways that spiritual beliefs can support recovery.

15 Managing Life; Managing Money

Clients identify aspects of their life that have been neglected and explore ways to manage their lives responsibly.

16 Relapse Justification I

Clients learn about relapse justification. Clients discuss justifications to which they are susceptible and formulate plans to counter them.

17 Taking Care of Yourself

Clients learn the importance of self-esteem to recovery and explore aspects of their lives that require change.

18 Emotional Triggers

Clients learn that emotions can act as triggers and discuss tools that will help them avoid dangerous emotions.

19 Illness

Clients learn that becoming ill can be a trigger and discuss ways to keep their recovery on track when they are sick.

20 Recognizing Stress

Clients learn the threat that stress poses to recovery. Clients discuss how to identify and cope with stressful situations.

21 Relapse Justification II

Clients learn that moving closer to relapse (e.g., to test the strength of their recovery) is dangerous. Clients explore strategies to resist relapse justifications.

22 Reducing Stress

Clients are reminded that stress can endanger their recovery and discuss strategies to reduce stress.

23 Managing Anger

Clients learn that anger can be a trigger. Clients discuss ways to recognize and address a build-up of anger.

24 Acceptance

Clients learn that accepting their substance use disorder is not a sign of weakness. Clients explore strengths to rely on.

25 Making New Friends

Clients learn that abstinent friends can support their recovery. Clients discuss people who can serve as supportive friends and how to meet them.

26 Repairing Relationships

Clients learn the importance of making amends and discuss how to address people who refuse to forgive them.

27 Serenity Prayer

Clients learn to distinguish between things that can be change and those that cannot. Clients discuss things in their lives that they will change.

28 Compulsive Behaviours

Clients learn what compulsive behaviours are and how they can endanger recovery. Clients discuss ways to recognize and eliminate compulsive behaviours.

29 Coping With Feelings and Depression

Clients learn to recognize their emotional responses, especially signs of depression. Clients explore strategies for coping with depression.

30 12-Step and Mutual-Help Programmes

Clients learn how 12-Step and mutual-help programmes support recovery. Clients explore the variety of 12-Step and mutual-help programmes available.

31 Looking Forward; Managing Downtime

Clients learn that boredom can be a relapse trigger. Clients discuss ways to break the monotony of recovery.

32 One Day at a Time

Clients learn to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the past and

explore strategies for focusing on the present.

Elective Sessions

A  Client Status Review

Clients learn that establishing a regular pattern of self-review will help support recovery. Clients discuss areas in which they need to improve.

B Holidays and Recovery

Clients learn that holidays pose risks for recovery and discuss ways to alleviate the added stress that comes with holidays.

C recreational Activities

Clients learn how new hobbies and pursuits can help support recovery. Clients discuss old hobbies they would like to pick up again or new pursuits they wish to try.