Recovery and Risk of Relapse
Decision-Making and Relapse Risk
The phenotype of recovery V: Does delay discounting predict the perceived risk of relapse among individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders
Jamie K. Turner; Liqa N. Athamneh; Julia C. Basso; Warren K. Bickel
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research
2021 May
Summary
This study examines whether delay discounting predicts perceived risk of relapse among individuals recovering from alcohol and drug use disorders. By focusing on how people value immediate versus delayed rewards, the article connects decision-making patterns with perceived vulnerability to returning to substance use. The findings suggest that people who discount delayed rewards more steeply may perceive greater relapse risk over time. This work highlights decision-making measures as potentially useful tools for identifying individuals who may need additional relapse-prevention support.
Key Findings:
Lower valuation of future rewards is linked to higher relapse risk over time.
Implications:
Decision-making measures may help identify individuals at higher risk of relapse.