Double RCR (Relapse Prevention and Cognitive Restructuring)
Double RCR (Relapse Prevention and Cognitive Restructuring) is an evidence-based treatment approachfor treating addiction and substance use disorders. Double RCR utilizes a combination of cognitive, behavioral, and emotive strategies as a holistic approach to implementing long-term changes in behavior. Developed by Dr. Jeffrey Sugarman, was designed to facilitate long-term success by teaching skills that enable a client to identify, manage, and modify triggers associated with substance use.
The purpose of the Double RCR treatment approach is to equip individuals suffering from addiction and substance use disorders with the skills and skills sets needed to take control of their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. The program is built on the foundation of relapse prevention training, cognitive restructuring, emotional intelligence, and the use of mindfulness and meditation techniques. The process begins with a comprehensive introduction to the concept of relapse prevention and cognitive restructuring. Clients are then taught tools that help them to identify internal and external triggers that set off cravings for drugs or alcohol. Once triggers are effectively identified, the client can begin to develop an understanding of how their thought patterns and behaviors can lead to drug use in certain situations.
Cognitive restructuring is a key component to the Double RCR approach. Clients are taught to challenge the internal thought patterns that lead to drug seeking behaviors. This involves assessing one’s beliefs and expectations towards drug use, questioning previously held thoughts in order to gain increased insight into the motivations for them, and to identify underlying core issues that have led to substance use behaviors. Furthermore, clients are encouraged to challenge distorted thinking patterns, replace them with more functional thoughts, and experiment with healthy behavioral alternatives.
The emotional intelligence component of Double RCR focuses on helping clients to attend to and explore their emotional lives. This involves helping the client become aware of his or her feelings, to develop an understanding of the meaning or message behind those feelings, to explore those feelings in a safe environment, and to identify and employ strategies that can help to manage emotions in a proactive and effective manner.
Throughout the treatment process, mindfulness and meditation techniques are also introduced in order to further support the client’s journey towards recovery. These techniques can help to cultivate a sense of calmness, enhance concentration, and facilitate a nonjudgmental acceptance of one’s current state of health, be it positive or negative.
The Double RCR treatment approach was designed to address a variety of problems that can arise from addictive behavior. It helps to reduce the chances of a relapse, encourages healthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and supports an individual’s overall recovery. The approach can also increase the chances of a successful recovery by helping individuals to explore their underlying psychological issues, encouraging practice of healthy coping mechanisms, and fostering a sense of internal balance and equilibrium.
