The primary goal of clinicians is to assist clients on their journey towards recovery; they do so by using a number of therapeutic interventions, resources, and tools. Many of these interventions go far in assessing, treating and following clients through aftercare. Unfortunately, they are utilized in a piecemeal fashion, often leaving the client part of the way through their recovery, at best; or wandering through the wilderness of relapse, at worse.

The assumption is that most clients entering a program are motivated towards change, and therefore contemplating a change on the horizon; the reality is, most clients are not motivated to stop using drugs or drinking and therefore not open to your therapeutic interventions.

We know that motivated clients succeed best in treatment, but knowing what to do to improve motivation can be daunting. A number of clients in treatment are there because of some extrinsic motivator, such as the threat of prison, the possibility of longer jail terms, the loss of their children, and a number of other reasons. These extrinsic factors serve as short-term motivators; as soon as they are removed, the lack of external or internal motivation leads to relapse, although they possess some prevention tools.

People are ususally more motivated to follow a strategy in which they had input. A workable Relapse Prevention plan empowers the client in a way that motivates him to pursue continued change. A good plan will help him cope during difficult times of increased cravings, high stress and low motivation.

An effective Relapse Prevention program incorporates proven techniques and tools that are accessible to the client, and are used in a holistic fashion. When constructing a plan, take into consideration the entire relapse process. In doing so, you will consider the client's needs, risk factors, sober support system, level of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, self-awareness, self-efficacy, spiritual belief and coping skills. Remember, the client also brings a level of expertise that can be incorporated into the plan.

What can you do to assit your client? 1. Know your client's readiness for change 2. Help him tip the decisional balance towards change 3.Understand the contributing factors to a relapse 3. Explore core issues with your client 4. Build a strategy that addresses high risk situations, danger signs, triggers, cravings 5. Help client build self-efficacy 6. Include a 12-Step program and 7. Do not neglect spirituality.