Mistaken Beliefs About Relapse

We all have mistaken notions and dangerous attitudes about many things. Mistaken beliefs about relapse can have destructive consequences. The first step in preventing relapse is to understand what it is and what it is not. The second step is to challenge your own beliefs about it. If you are relapse prone these mistaken beliefs can kill you by preventing you from getting the help you need. If you are a counselor or an AA member attempting to help relapse prone people stay sober, your mistaken attitudes can feed the relapse process and push people closer to the next drink, not because you intend to but because of your misinformation.

We all have mistaken notions and dangerous attitudes about many things. Mistaken beliefs about relapse can have destructive consequences. The first step in preventing relapse is to understand what it is and what it is not. The second step is to challenge your own beliefs about it. If you are relapse prone these mistaken beliefs can kill you by preventing you from getting the help you need. If you are a counselor or an AA member attempting to help relapse prone people stay sober, your mistaken attitudes can feed the relapse process and push people closer to the next drink, not because you intend to but because of your misinformation.

Terence T. Gorski, MA, NCAC II, is president of The CENAPS Corporation, a consultation and training firm that specializes in chemical dependence, codependency, and relapse prevention. He is also clinical director of the Relapse Prevention Certification School. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and sociology from Northeastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in human relations from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a certified addictions counselor.