Quick Guide for Clinicians - SAMHSA Store - Substance Abuse and ...

Groups Commonly Used in Substance Abuse Treatment 151. Relapse Prevention GroupsRelapse prevention groups focus on helping aclient maintain abstinence or recover fromrelapse. This kind of group is appropriate forclients who have attained abstinence, but whohave not necessarily established a proven trackrecord indicating they have all the skills to maintaina drug-free state.Purpose. Relapse prevention groups help clientsmaintain their sobriety by providing them with theskills and knowledge to anticipate, identify, andmanage high-risk situations that can lead torelapse while also making security preparationsfor their future by striving for broader life balance.Principal characteristics. Relapse preventiongroups focus on activities, problem-solving, andskill building. They may also take the form of psychotherapy.Leadership skills and styles. Leaders of relapseprevention groups need to have a set of skills similarto those needed for a skills developmentgroup, along with a well-developed ability to workon group process issues.