Relapse Prevention and Recovery Support Flashcards

A client's family members repeatedly rescue him from consequences of use, such as paying legal fines and calling in sick on his behalf. The counselor should identify this pattern as:

Answer: Enabling behavior that undermines recovery motivation

Shielding clients from natural consequences removes motivation for change and is a key enabling pattern to address in family-focused relapse prevention.

Which concept from SMART Recovery distinguishes it from 12-Step programs?

Answer: Secular, science-based self-empowerment without a higher power construct

SMART Recovery uses rational emotive behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral tools without spiritual or disease-model framing.

A client approaching her one-year anniversary reports anxiety that she will lose her 'beginner's mind' and become complacent. The counselor's best response incorporates:

Answer: Validating the concern and collaboratively updating her relapse prevention plan for long-term recovery challenges

Long-term recovery requires evolving relapse prevention plans to address the specific risks and stressors of that stage, including complacency.

In the context of relapse prevention, 'urge surfing' is a technique derived from:

Answer: Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP)

Urge surfing — observing cravings as temporary waves without acting on them — is a core mindfulness skill taught in MBRP.

A client identifies work-related stress as his primary relapse trigger. The MOST comprehensive relapse prevention response includes:

Answer: Stress inoculation training, coping skill rehearsal, and developing a crisis plan specific to occupational triggers

A comprehensive response builds internal coping skills, rehearses them for the specific trigger context, and prepares a crisis response — not just external referral.

Which of the following best describes 'recovery capital'?

Answer: The internal and external resources that support initiation and maintenance of recovery

Recovery capital encompasses social support, housing stability, health, spiritual resources, and personal strengths that sustain long-term recovery.

A client relapses three weeks after completing residential treatment. According to research on relapse timing, this pattern is:

Answer: Common, as the transition from structured treatment to community living is a peak relapse risk period

The post-discharge transition period is consistently identified as the highest-risk window for relapse, underscoring the need for robust continuing care.