There were many skills and concepts of relapse prevention that stood out in the video.

One of the first skills that were mentioned was motivational interviewing (MI) skills. In this

case, MI is a skill that helps build the working alliance between the substance users and the

individual in charge of the group. It helps the client understand their ambivalence of wanting to

stop using and the thoughts that attempt to convince them to keep using. Then people can move

toward change and make a plan for how that change will occur and be maintained. Other skills

include utilizing cognitive behavioral (CBT) methods like working to change cognitive

distortions and behaviors to retrain the brain in learning how to not need a substance. CBT skills

are also used to help people understand what their triggers are that may lead to lapses or a full-

blown relapse. Lastly, once individuals learn how to challenge their distorted thoughts, they can

make lifestyle changes that include substitute indulgence activities that will replace substance

use.

Relapse prevention can be helpful in many ways based on the information from the

video. It helps clients realize potential triggers and work towards change. It provides the

opportunity for people to find other activities that are far more healthy, to take the place of

substance use. Relapse prevention also helps people increase their self-efficacy and allows

individuals to come up with appropriate coping skills during high-risk situations. According to

the information provided, research has also shown that the brain is resilient and can recover from

substance use over an extended period of time, back to normal functioning prior to the substance

use. Relapse prevention also addresses cravings and teaches individuals that a lapse in recovery

does not have to mean failure and the opportunity to continue to work on their recovery is

possible with the right tools and support.