Parents Under Pressure
Module 7: Coping with lapse and relapse
The aim of Module 7 of the Parents Under Pressure program is to ensure that clients have skills and confidence to avoid lapses that in turn lead to relapse to uncontrolled drug use. The issues relating to the moderate use of alcohol are addressed in the context of a controlled drinking program component. Issues surrounding child safety and drug use are discussed within a harm minimisation framework.
For parents with a drug using history, even if they are not using opioids or other drugs on a regular basis, it is probable that they will use non-prescribed drugs from time to time. Even if they don’t currently use drugs they will almost certainly find themselves in situations in which they are strongly tempted to use. It is important to use these occasions as opportunities for intervention rather than as lapse or relapse failures.
Finally, the potential for misuse or abuse of alcohol is now recognised as a significant problem for many people on methadone maintenance. It is important that alcohol use is monitored and that each client understands the issues involved in the controlled use of alcohol that is within recommended safe drinking limits.
