H2. Understanding and Coping with Participant Relapse: Its Effect on the Drug Court Team

As Drug Courts mature, and we struggle through the COVID pandemic, longer-term
issues of team continuity and growth take on increased importance. A more informal
work environment, increased accessibility in the context of a dual criminal justice and
drug treatment environment, the difficulties of coping with relapse, issues of counter
transference, and the effects of vicarious trauma impact upon this. Dealing with a chronic
illness for which the client is prone to relapse requires a further understanding of the
relapse process and a re-examining of a practitioner’s standard of success. Selfcare and
team wellness strategies, in light of these stressors, will be discussed.