According to Marlatt's model of the relapse process, which of the following statements is NOT true?

The statement that clients should be helped to recognize that one or more temporary lapses are likely to occur and are permitted is an important misconception within Marlatt's model of the relapse process. Marlatt's model emphasizes that relapse is a process rather than a singular event, and understanding this process is crucial for effective preventive strategies.

In this model, teaching clients to anticipate potential lapses, develop coping strategies, and understand the context of their high-risk situations is essential. Clients are encouraged to recognize that while lapses may happen, they should not be viewed as a given or accepted as part of their recovery journey. Instead, building resilience and skills to handle these situations effectively can help prevent them from escalating into full-blown relapse. Teaching clients that they are "permitted" to have lapses can unintentionally diminish their commitment to recovery and may undermine efforts to achieve lasting change.

The emphasis is on fostering a mindset that views lapses as learning opportunities rather than as expected or acceptable occurrences. This perspective aligns with the overall goal of empowering clients to take charge of their recovery by being proactive about their triggers and developing strong coping mechanisms. Thus, the assertion that recognizing and permitting lapses is a core tenet of the model is not accurate.