A possible extension of Marlatt's Relapse Prevention Model was investigated in a population of dependent smokers undergoing cessation treatment. Whereas the Abstinence Violation Effect (AVE) has been well documented as a common attributional response to lapsing into addictive behaviour, an analogous Abstinence Maintenance Effect (AME) was proposed in response to coping with tempting situations. Several hypotheses were tested concerning the development of the proposed AME over time in abstainers and lapsers. Its relationship with self efficacy, craving and coping style was also studied. Results supported the existence of the AME and suggested it builds in strength over time spent abstinent. Lapsing was shown to be detrimental to this development. While the AME was not shown to be correlated with self efficacy, craving or coping style in the main study, all four variables were related to outcome. The implications for treatment in the addictive behaviours were discussed.