Understanding and preventing relapse.

Abstract

This chapter examines relapse by integrating knowledge from the disorders of alcoholism, smoking, and obesity in an attempt to emphasize in a prototypical manner the overlap in etiological mechanisms and treatment rationales for disorders with powerful, underlying biological self-regulation components. Commonalities across these areas suggest at least three basic stages of behavior change: motivation and commitment, initial change, and maintenance. A distinction is made between the terms lapse and relapse, with lapse referring to the process (slips or mistakes) that may or may not lead to an outcome (relapse). The natural history of relapse is discussed, as are the consequences of relapse for patients and the professionals who treat them. Information on determinants and predictors of relapse is evaluated, with the emphasis on the interaction of individual, environmental, and physiological factors. Methods of preventing relapse are proposed and are targeted to the three stages of change. Specific research needs in these areas are discussed.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• University of Pennsylvania US
• University of Washington US

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