# HALT: Relapse prevention to resilience

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the HALT acronym as a tool for preventing relapse and building resilience in individuals with addictions.

## Contribution

The paper proposes expanding the HALT framework with new contextual domains to enhance its effectiveness.

## Key findings

- The HALT acronym is a familiar tool used in addiction recovery for relapse prevention.
- Expanding HALT with new domains can help increase mental resilience and reduce relapse incidents.
- Using HALT as a building block offers a framework for both individuals and those assisting them.

## Abstract

The impact of compulsive behaviors (aka addictions), whether substance- or behavioral-based, is substantial. The acronym HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) has long been used in recovery. This paper provides a discussion of the history and basic concept, with application for relapse prevention and increasing resilience for mental health. It further offers a rationale for expanding this skill set with new and easily applied contextual domains. Using a familiar tool as a building block provides a framework for helping individuals with current or past compulsive behaviors, and for those assisting them. This may decrease relapse incidents which impact the individual and society.