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Relapse Prevention
SOWK 6103 Week 5 Assignment
Racquel Walsh
Walden University
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Relapse Prevention
Relapse is common amongst substance addicts and is often noted as being a part of the
recovery process. Even substance addicts who have successfully completed substance abuse
treatment will likely relapse at some point. Greg is an alcoholic who has been drinking since he
was in high school. However, Greg’s addiction took its course while working as an EMT and
being exposed to trauma daily. Greg never took the time to seek help for his alcohol addiction. It
was not until Greg’s drinking interfered with his ability to perform his job duties effectively and
efficiently, which in turn caused a little boy to lose his life.
Relapse Prevention Plan for Greg
A majority of substance users tend to have a very high risk of relapsing. “The concept
and practice prevention arose out of the recognition that alcohol and other substance
dependencies are difficult to treat” (Thakker & Ward 2010). It is essential for Greg to have a
relapse prevention plan in place so that he is able to be provided with support for long-term
sobriety. Greg’s relapse prevention plan would provide him with added and needed support to
aid him with his recovery as well as aid him with maintaining his sobriety. There are multiple
reasons as to why an addict may relapse during their recovery and amongst those reasons
untreated/unaddressed mental health concerns issues and trauma and lack of social support are
the top reasons.
Supports and Risk Factors for Greg's Possible Relapse
