Program Description
Relapse is defined as the process of becoming dysfunctional in recovery. Some examples of dysfunctional behavior include developing a negative attitude, returning to a state of denial and reverting to old behaviors. Returning to old addictive chemical use is usually the final stage of this process.

The Relapse Prevention Program is designed to interrupt the relapse process. Once this is achieved and the individual is stabilized, recovery can begin with a personal plan for a healthy, productive life utilizing new tools for relapse prevention.

The Relapse Process
The relapse process is a movement away from recovery. It does not occur suddenly or without warning. It is the result of incomplete recovery from alcohol or drug addiction.
Normally, a person recovering from an addictive disease passes through one of the following predictable stages:

• Early Recovery is accepting the disease of addiction and learning to function without drugs or alcohol.
• Middle Recovery is developing a normal, balanced lifestyle.
• Late Recovery is developing a healthy self esteem, spiritual growth, healthy intimacy and meaningful living.
• Maintenance is staying sober and living productively.

If at some point, individuals confront recovery tasks that they believe are insurmountable, they are said to be at a “stuck” point. This produces stress, and when symptoms become too severe, individuals may become dysfunctional, even though they are not using or drinking. National 12-step support groups often refer to this condition as a “dry drunk”. At Recovery Plus, we call this the relapse syndrome.

Program Eligibility
The Relapse Prevention Program is for people who are prone toward or who experience relapse. Although the concepts of relapse prevention are valuable to any person in recovery from an addictive disease, the Relapse Prevention Program seeks to help individuals who have hit “stuck” points and have been unable to complete necessary recovery tasks. They are in the midst of the relapse syndrome. The program is also for individuals who have made several attempts at sobriety that have resulted in repeated relapse episodes.

It is important to note that the relapse syndrome can be stopped at any stage, provided the right help is available. An initial assessment by a Recovery Plus professional establishes where a person is in the progression of the relapse syndrome. It is from this point that an individual relapse prevention plan can begin.

Recovery Plus provides inpatient and outpatient relapse treatment with continuing outpatient care. The length of time in all phases is based on goal completion and progress.

• Phase I is the stabilization stage that includes an intensive educational program that works with clients as inpatients or outpatients. This component is done in conjunction with daily gender-specific therapy groups.
• Phase II is a structured program that combines group therapy and relapse prevention education. This group meets twice a week.
• Phase III involves a two-hour-a-week continuing care group. The focus is on warning sign management and support. The program places heavy emphasis on the tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous and the behavioral concepts of Terrance Gorski, president of the Center for Applied Science, a private training organization specializing in relapse prevention. It attempts to actively involve clients in seeking assistance from appropriate community resources.