Preventing relapse to cocaine

An effective treatment program for cocaine addiction must incorporate education and counseling. Education is a key element in preventing relapse; patients must be taught to understand the subtle cues by which they are affected, the multiple factors that drive their cocaine use, and the need for complete abstinence from all mood-altering substances, including alcohol and marijuana. Although abstinence is essential to relapse prevention, it is not the only issue. Recovery can be achieved only when patients change their attitudes and behaviors that led to and/or were associated with drug use. Patients must learn: (1) that relapse begins long before drug use occurs, (2) to anticipate high-risk situations, and (3) to develop alternative coping skills to manage the stress and frustration of daily life. Moreover, if relapse does occur, it must be viewed as a learning event rather than as a negative, guilt-provoking disaster in order to avoid recurrences. Analytically oriented psychotherapy is contraindicated early in therapy; counseling and self-help groups must provide support that is reality-based.