Cc. Wagner et al., RELAPSE PREVENTION TREATMENT FOR LIVER-TRANSPLANT PATIENTS, Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings, 3(4), 1996, pp. 387-398
This paper explores the utility of relapse prevention therapy (RPT) fo
r transplant candidates with substance use disorders. Similarities and
differences between this population and the general substance abuse p
atient population are discussed and suggestions are made for modifying
the RPT treatment protocol. Major issues include the source and inten
sity of motivation for treatment, the nature of the therapeutic relati
onship, the type and severity of psychosocial consequences that may ha
ve been experienced as a result of substance use, and the patient's pe
rception of the problem (addiction versus liver disease). Recommendati
ons are made to provide empathy and support around medical concerns, m
otivate them for sobriety, and work to build collaborative relationshi
ps between ream members and patients. Patients need to see the RP ther
apists as working to help them maintain sobriety and obtain a transpla
nt, not as policing their drug use.