Stages of Change-A Different Perspective

7. Relapse

Relapse is when a patient returns to regular tobacco use after quitting. A relapse is different than a lapse (or a slip), which is a return to reduced tobacco use or brief use of tobacco after quitting that falls short of a return to regular tobacco use.

A patient can relapse at any point during their journey in quitting tobacco, not just during the maintenance phase. When a patient does relapse or slip, the most important consideration is their attitude and how the patient plans to respond if relapse or a slip does occur.

Counselor Goal: The counselor should evaluate what stage the client is in at this time and work on strategies appropriate to the stage and rebuilding motivation and self-efficacy as appropriate.