Relapse prevention training

The Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme conducted two relapse prevention training programmes to enhance treatment practitioners to be more proficient in dealing with issues relating to relapse in Galle and Colombo in July and September.

A total of 70 treatment practitioners from several NGOs and the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB) and Prisons Department participated in both training programmes.

Relapse is a common phenomenon among recovering addicts. A client may relapse after the treatment as well as during the treatment programme.

Whether the treatment model is residential or non-residential, there is always a chance for relapse as a result of deficiencies in facilities and training, and lack of aftercare programmes.

The Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (CPDAP) stressed that an effective treatment programme should integrate relapse prevention education and techniques as early as possible during the treatment period.

The CPDAP also encourages programmes to have trained counsellors who are specialised in relapse prevention techniques, in the implementation of the core curriculum of a treatment model.

In both the training, Secretary-General Madam Patricia Yoon-Moi CHIA officiated and presented certificates to the participants while CPDAP Consultants, Tay Bian How and Fadilan Kayong conducted the training. Social Services Deputy Minister Lional Premasisri was the Chief Guest in the closing ceremony. Chairman of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB) D.P. Mendis also attended.