What relapse prevention strategies are typically used in CBT?

• A. Identify warning signs, develop coping skills and a maintenance plan, schedule booster sessions, and rehearse relapse-safety strategies.
• B. Rely solely on medication to prevent relapse.
• C. Wait until relapse occurs before intervening.
• D. Assume relapse cannot be prevented.

Answer: (A)

Relapse prevention in CBT is about anticipating when old patterns might resurface and arming the person with practical skills to stay on track. The most effective approach includes identifying warning signs that a relapse might be brewing, building and rehearsing coping skills to handle those moments, and creating a maintenance plan to keep practicing the skills after active treatment ends. Scheduling booster sessions helps reinforce what was learned and keeps accountability, while rehearsing relapse-safety strategies ensures there are ready-made responses for high-risk situations. This proactive, skill-based structure is at the heart of CBT’s approach to maintaining gains and preventing return to old problems.

Relying solely on medication misses the CBT focus on cognitive and behavioral tools. Waiting until relapse occurs is too passive; CBT emphasizes early intervention and planning. Assuming relapse cannot be prevented runs counter to the goal of empowering clients with strategies to manage triggers and maintain progress.