HALT: Relapse prevention to resilience

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.