Abstract
Relapse is the most common outcome of programs treating addictive behaviors (James, 1993) with rates as high as 50%-90% (Brownell et al., 1986). Women who cycle back into treatment for alcohol and other drug dependence after short periods of abstinence create a dilemma for addictions nurses and counselors. Often the addict encounters opposition by friends and family when entering treatment and delayed or misdirected treatment by professionals who fail to recognize symptoms and promote action in clinical practice (Finkelstein, 1994; Beckman and Amaro, 1986).