Relapse prevention therapy: an integrated approach to the treatment of alcohol disorders and comorbid anxiety : a review of literature on anxiety, alcoholism and relapse prevention therapy - recommendations for clinical psychology groups conducted as part of an inpatient alcohol rehabilitation programme in the Western Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Two recent local studies of relapse among individuals who had attended inpatient alcoholrehabilitation programmes in the Western Cape found relapse rates of up to 60%. A high incidence ofcomorbid anxiety, low self-efficacy and avoidant coping style were principal reasons cited for relapse.The following literary review was undertaken in an effort at better understanding current findings onthe comorbid relationship between alcohol abuse/dependency and anxiety, and on dysfunctionalcoping styles and relapse. It also reviews current literature and theory concerning the treatment ofalcoholics using the Relapse Prevention (RP) model of therapy. Based on these findings,recommendations are made for the application of RP to the clinical psychology groups run for alcoholabusing/dependent inpatients at Neuro Clinic D, Stikland Hospital, Western Cape.Relapse Prevention Therapy was selected because of its integrated approach to addressing bothsubstance abuse and the inadequate coping styles that often render people vulnerable to anxiety,depression and relapse. It was also chosen because of the more constructive, less punitive approach ittakes to substance dependence/abuse and the issue of lapses and relapse.The recommendations made in this review should not, in any way, be seen as criticism of the existingprogramme at Neuro Clinic D. They are, essentially, the individual reflections of the author based onthe four months he spent conducting clinical psychology groups in the unit and the findings of twolocal studies that looked at some of the reasons for relapse following treatment in this and other localfacilities.The specific focus on the groups run by clinical psychologists should also not be seen as ignoring theimportant and valuable work done by other professionals in the unit; notably those in psychiatry,nursing, social work, occupational therapy and pastoral care. On the contrary, information gatheredby these professionals is vital to the team effort of rehabilitation, and the identification of psychosocialstressors and cognitive patterns that place people at risk of relapse.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University