Irvin RP MA
Meta-Analysis of Relapse Prevention
Patient / Population Intervention / Exposure Comparison Outcome
Across 26 studies and 9,504 substance-use patients, Marlatt-style relapse prevention produced small substance-use effects but substantial functional gains relative to comparator therapies.
N
9,504
Design
Meta-analysis
Endpoint
Substance-use and psychosocial outcomes
Relevance
3
ResultOverall r=0.14 across substances; strongest for alcohol/polysubstance; r=0.48 for psychosocial functioning.
Irvin JE, et al. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1999;67(4):563-570. 10.1037/0022-006X.67.4.563
Discussion & critique
Headline substance effect is modest; the bigger story is functional recovery.