A CRA intervention: Relapse Prevention / Early Warning System that maps the function of behavior and changes the reinforcement environment so sober, prosocial action becomes more available and rewarding than substance use.
Step-by-step guide
- Identify the concrete relapse prevention / early warning system high-risk or recovery-relevant situation.
- Clarify antecedents, short-term rewards and longer-term costs without judgment.
- Choose one sober alternative that can produce a real reward in the client's current environment.
- Plan the details: when, where, with whom and what support is needed.
- Review the result in the next session and adjust the reinforcement plan.
When to use
- When substance use is maintained by identifiable triggers and rewards.
- When the client needs practical alternatives rather than only insight.
- When family, work, leisure or social context can be changed to support sobriety.
Key phrases
Let us look at what this behavior does for you before we try to replace it.
Follow-up questions
What would make sobriety more rewarding this week?
What is one concrete plan that could survive a difficult Friday evening?
Alternative phrasings
Let us use Relapse Prevention / Early Warning System to make this pattern more workable.
What would be a small, reviewable step before next session?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not shame the client for the reinforcing function of use.
- ⚠️ Do not demand lifelong abstinence before a workable test period has been negotiated.
- ⚠️ Do not prescribe activities that are unrealistic in the client's housing, money or safety situation.
Source: Meyers & Smith (1995); Azrin (1976) - -early warning notification system-; Miller et al. (1999)
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.