The Relapse Prevention Plan: Views and preferences of clients with a substance use disorder and their significant others.

Abstract

Title: The Relapse Prevention Plan: views and preferences of clients with a SUD and their significant others.

Background: As part of Relapse Prevention, a relapse prevention plan (RPP) is made, aiming to enable the client with a substance use disorder (SUD) to plan how to prevent or manage high-risk situations for relapse. Both the client and the significant other have a role in the RPP. In practice however, clients’ use of the RPP is seemingly limited as well as the involvement of significant others. Aim: To describe the views and preferences of clients with a SUD and their significant others (1) regarding the RPP and (2) regarding the role of the significant other within the RPP. Method: A generic qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews, using an interview guide based on existing literature, were conducted among a sample of clients (N=8) with a SUD and their significant others (N=4). A thematic analysis was done, according to the model of Braun and Clark. Results: Three themes were derived from the data; insight, independence and availability. Clients’ views regarding gaining insight in how to prevent relapse by means of the RPP were contrasting. All participants described that the client had the most important role in preventing relapse. The primary role of significant others was to be available. Conclusion and implications: The structure and shape of the RPP is not as helpful as it is designed to be in preventing relapse. The current implicit role of significant others could be more active. The results can be used to evaluate the current structure and shape of the RPP and the role of the significant other within it, taking into account the clients’ perceived and the significant others’ experienced burden.