The AVE refers to an individual's response to the recognition that he/she has broken a self-imposed rule, specifically, by engaging in a single act of substance use, thus breaking his/her commitment to abstinence. The AVE consists of two components: an affective component and a cognitive-attributional component. The affective component is linked to the conflict an individual experiences in redefining his/her self-image as an "abstainer" to that of a "nonabstainer." This conflict in self-image can be accompanied by feelings of discomfort, guilt, shame, and hopelessness. The cognitive-attributional component refers to an individual's tendency to place blame on him or herself for the abstinence violation, citing internal characteristics that are permanent and uncontrollable. These features of the AVE can facilitate a total relapse by confirming a personal belief that change and abstinence are impossible. Thus, the nature and quality of the AVE have a pivotal role in relapse prevention. This article reports on research on the AVE in addictive behaviors and the reformulation of the AVE in order to simplify the theoretical basis of the AVE with regard to the relationship between affect, cognitive interpretation, and perceived control. The reformulated AVE model has application in relapse prevention for substance abuse, but also for eating disorders and sex offenses. This article discusses the modification of relapse prevention for sex offenders in relation to the AVE, with attention to research on the AVE in sex offenders. Preliminary findings from an investigation of the AVE in a sample of incarcerated sex offenders supports a theoretical definition of "lapse" and "relapse" for sex offenders and also emphasizes the role of positive affective responding in relapse prevention. 71 references