Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence
Published on: March 23, 2022
Relapse prevention for sexual offenders: considerations for the "abstinence violation effect"
Jennifer G Wheeler1, William H George, G Alan Marlatt
1dr.wheeler@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Relapse Prevention (RP) is a cognitive-behavioral approach originally developed for treatment of addictions and has since become an effective and popular method for treating sexual offenders. The Abstinence Violation Effect (AVE) is a pivotal RP construct describing one's cognitive and affective response to re-engaging in a prohibited behavior. We review the literature on the AVE in both addiction and sexual offender applications. We summarize the original and subsequent formulations of the AVE for addictions and modifications adopted for its application to sexual offenders. We argue that these modifications have generally failed to characterize sexual offense relapse cycles accurately or comprehensively. In particular, these modifications fail to specify accurately the AVE's occurrence and influence in the offense cycle. In response to these limitations, we suggest future directions for AVE research in sexual offenders.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Amebiasis
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Timing and Consequences on Behavior
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...

