The majority of alcoholics and drug addicts relapse after treatment, with many substance abusers developing a chronic relapse pattern. For this study, 43 patients, who went through a 3-week inpatient relapse prevention program, answered the Situational Confidence Questionnaire (a measure of self-efficacy for alcohol-related, high-risk situations) prior to and then after their treatment. Results showed that subjects exhibited significant increases in self-efficacy--a person's belief that he or she can respond effectively to a situation by using available skills--over the course of treatment. One year follow-up data revealed that while the majority of the patients did relapse, they reported shorter periods of substance abuse. Increased involvement with outpatient activities correlated with positive outcomes, such as increased sobriety and fewer relapses. Two high-risk situations, unpleasant emotions or frustrations, and urges and temptations, played a major role in relapses. This study's findings support the benefits of relapse prevention treatment and aftercare activities, beyond treatment, for relapse-prone alcoholics, thus underlining the need for relapse-prone alcoholics to devote time, energy, and resources to their recovery program. Four tables present statistical summaries. (RJM)