Matching addiction outpatient counseling to client readiness for change: The role of structured relapse prevention counseling

The clinical importance of matching counseling procedures to the client's readiness for change is gaining increased recognition in the addictions treatment field. This article describes a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral outpatient counseling program for substance abusers that consists of 5 components (i.e., assessment, motivational interviewing, preparation of an individualized treatment plan, 'initiation of change" counseling procedures, and "maintenance of change" counseling procedures). The relationship of these treatment components to 5 client stages of change (i.e., precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance) is discussed. A simple assessment tool for determining the client's stage of change, the Commitment to Change Algorithm, is described. Finally, the difference between initiation and maintenance of change homework assignments in structured relapse prevention counseling is highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved). (from the journal abstract)