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Cognitive Behavioral Model Of The Relapse Process (Marlatt & Gordon, 1985)
A licensed copy of Marlatt and Gordon's (1985) model of relapse, which describes key aspects of the relapse process.
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Overview
Marlatt & Gordon’s cognitive behavioral model of relapse (1985) conceptualizes relapse as a “transitional process, a series of events that unfold over time” (Larimer et al., 1999). The full model provides a detailed taxonomy of the factors which can lead to relapse episodes.
Why Use This Resource?
Understanding what contributes to lapses and relapses is important for effective intervention. This resource helps clinicians:
- Understand the factors that lead to relapses.
- Explain key aspects of relapses, such as positive outcome expectancies and the abstinence violation effect.
- Develop appropriate formulations for clients struggling with lapses and relapses.
Key Benefits
Insight
Deepens understanding of how and why relapses occur.
Education
Acts as an informative client handout.
Discussion
Promotes exploration of key factors in relapsing.
Learning
Supports clinician knowledge and supervision.
Who is this for?
Addictions
Identifying and managing high-risk situations to prevent relapses.
Eating Disorders
Using relapse prevention to prevent the return of eating disorder symptoms, such as binge-eating.
Integrating it into your practice
01
Learn
Understand more about the cognitive behavioral model of relapse.
02
Organize
Use the model as a template to organize your formulation of lapses and relapses.
03
Educate
Use your knowledge of the model to explain how and why relapses occur.
04
Discuss
Engage clients in discussions about their experience of relapsing
05
Reflect
Use in supervision to discuss treatment plans.
Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance
Marlatt and Gordon’s (1985) cognitive behavioral model of relapse conceptualizes relapse as a “transitional process, a series of events that unfold over time” (Larimer et al., 1999). This is in contrast to alternative models which view relapse as an end-point or ‘treatment failure’. Flexibility is a key advantage of such transitional models: they provide guidance and opportunities for intervening at multiple stages in the relapse process in order to prevent or reduce relapse episodes.
Marlatt and Gordon’s full model provides a detailed taxonomy of the factors which can lead to relapse episodes. Larimer et al (1999) describe how these factors fall into two core categories: (1). immediate determinants (such as high-risk situations, or an individual’s coping skills), and (2). covert antecedents (such as an imbalanced lifestyle which leads to urges and cravings).
The cognitive behavioral model of relapse helps clinicians to develop individualized treatment plans for clients at risk of relapse. While the model was designed for working with clients struggling with alcohol problems it has been applied to addictive and impulsive behaviors more broadly (Marlat & Donovan, 2005) including problematic eating behaviors (Mines & Merrill, 1987).
What's inside
- A graphical depiction of the model.
- Insights into key factors that play a role in the relapse process.
- Guidelines for using the resource with clients.
FAQs
Relapse is viewed as a transitional process instead of a treatment failure, with opportunities for intervention at various stages.
Yes, it is applicable to a range of addictive and impulsive behaviors, including eating disorders and substance use disorders.
It can be used as a psychoeducational tool, a discussion point with clients, and a therapist learning resource.
How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes
By applying the model, therapists and clients benefit from:
- Targeted interventions focusing on key aspects of the relapse process.
- Enhanced client engagement through increased understanding of their difficulties.
- Improved treatment outcomes by reducing the risk of relapse.
Clinicians Who Use This Resource Also Use
References And Further Reading
- Larimer, M. E., & Palmer, R. S. (1999). Relapse prevention: An overview of Marlatt's cognitive-behavioral model. Alcohol Research and Health, 23(2), 151-160.
- Marlatt, G. A. (1985). Relapse prevention: Theoretical rationale and overview of the model. In G. A. Marlatt & J. R. Gordon (Eds.), Relapse Prevention: Maintenance Strategies In The Treatment Of Addictive Behaviors (1st ed., pp. 280-250). New York: Guilford Press.
- Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. Guilford press.
- Marlatt, G. A., & Gordon, J. R. (Eds.). (1985). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (1st ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
- Mines, R. A., & Merrill, C. A. (1987). Bulimia: Cognitive-behavioral treatment and relapse prevention. Journal of Counseling & Development, 65(10), 562-564.
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