The Say It Straight (SIS) Intervention

The counseling student attended two AA meetings as an observer in order to understand the dynamics of the AA culture and to experience the possibilities of working in the field of addictions. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the various behavioral patterns of use described in the AA meetings (e. g., intensity, frequency, length of time and attempts to quit). This paper also identifies other necessary information required for proper assessment and diagnosis. This essay concludes with a synthesis of the information gathered from personal observation and this course’s texts assignments.

Psychoeducational groups relating to additions or substance abuse are designed to assist participants in their stages of change, learn about recovery, provide information to families to understand behaviors, and to assist participants with resources and skills (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, n.d). Psychoeducational groups will support participants and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions. These groups will utilize different methods to replace addictive behavior and practice mindfulness to work on any cognitive impairment that their addiction has produced (U.S Department of Health and Human Service, n.d). In addition, substance abuse or addiction psychoeducational groups provide participants support and peer confrontation. Other members are able to support the group by offering education about what has worked well for them, or what has not work well. The group processes also provides emotional support for members to assist in personal recovery.

Based on the participant’s background and history, I determined that an integrative approach using CBT and Reality Therapy was appropriate. Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Reality Therapy are both effective in treating addictions. My participant struggles with negative thinking and irrational thoughts, poor decision making and problem solving which are common for a person struggling with substance use disorders. Therefore, integrating these two treatment modalities will assist the participant in restructuring his thoughts and finding effective ways to bring about changes in his life by taking responsibility for his own actions.

As I observed the N.A. group, I compared Hepworth 's, Direct Social Work Practice, five stages of group development. The Preaffiliation stage involves observation and feeling out the environment of the group; members may be hesitant to speak or test out certain behaviors to see reactions from other members of the group or the facilitator (Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, & Strom-Gottfried, 2017, 2013). Returning group members greeted each other with hugs, handshakes, pat on the back, while newcomers sat quietly observing others. The facilitator provided an introduction and instructions for participation. Each member was instructed to introduce the first name, state "I am an addict" and take turns reading from the

Substance abuse is a tragedy that touches many lives. Abuse begins with a single use event that, with continued use and overindulgence, transforms into a battle. The abuser most always loses that battle. Personal relationships, social ties, and employment suffers. Irresponsible and erratic behavior becomes the norm, and though the abuser is aware on some level of the reckless and thoughtless acts that they commit, they continue to use and abuse their drug of choice. What starts as experimentation often ends in addiction. The best hope for a person in the grips of substance abuse is immediate,

Getting help for drug addiction is often such an intimidating idea that many addicts continue to use rather than expose themselves to the embarrassment or pain that they have associated with reaching out to someone for help. This is in large part due to the fact that television, books and movies have portrayed drug rehab centers in such a negative light that the reality is actually quite incomprehensibly different than these depictions. Millions of people have gotten help for addiction and gone on to lead productive and fulfilling lives free from the bonds of substance abuse. However, there are plenty still who delayed treatment for one reason or another and suffered severe consequences by doing so. Because addiction is a progressive and

Behavioral Healthcare professionals are likely to encounter individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). These are highly prevalent and often co-occur with Mental Health Disorders. SUDs affect vital areas of life, such as physical, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Recovery from addiction is a long a road with highs and lows, however having a strong support system makes facing these challenges manageable. Addiction support groups gives the person a safe place to discuss these challenges while maintaining sobriety. They offer invaluable education, guidance, and the encouragement the patient needs to succeed in living a healthier lifestyle.

PO had a moderate level of participation as evidenced by completing the worksheet, and sharing strategies that he could use to cope with high risk situations with other group members. PO actively engaged in role-play on handling unexpected high risk situations. PO states that his sponsor and sober friends help him to make a better choices and decisions. PO was rarely distracted and stayed on the topic throughout the group process. PO had a positive response to treatment.

Mr. Charles’ ability to maintain sobriety and learn a healthy lifestyle of recovery, taking into account that his drug dependence will only continue and possibly increase if untreated. Mr. Charles would benefit from an outpatient treatment program in order to become educated regarding the dangers of substance use/abuse. Mr. Charles will also be able to process his patterns of drug use and learn to recognize triggers that lead to his substance abuse. Mr. Charles will also be able to learn the effects and consequences of substance abuse and how to remain abstinent from drugs. While in group therapy, Mr. Charles will learn appropriate techniques to resist peer pressure to drug use as well as assist him in developing a supportive network to encourage him to maintain abstinence. The intervention would assist to minimize the possibility of Mr. Charles’ drug use from progressing into the late stages of chemical dependency.

This model is used in this case to assess the addiction recovery group in different aspects to provide the overall effectiveness required for service delivery. Other resources such as member awareness and inclusion models are employed as well. Another area of operation realized during the mental health group visit is an extrapolation of care to those addicted to other related drugs (Fullerton et al., 2014). The individuals are provided with the antidote and then monitored until stability is attained. Some of the individuals are subjected to back surgery especially in advanced cases of drug

These modern or alternative treatment techniques include options like recreational therapy, yoga, music and art therapy and dual diagnosis treatment. These treatment modalities are used to help patients regain the life skills and coping capabilities that may have been displaced while caught up in the cycle of addiction. This facility also focuses on family involvement in the treatment process through a formal family participation program. All of these options are available to experienced addiction counselors who are charged with developing tailored treatment programs for patients.

The purpose of this research paper is to create a group therapy model for adolescents who engage in substance abuse. By using literature and already tested models of group therapy, the goal is create a hybrid of those models while taking out what does not work. The need for this type of group therapy model is evident in the facts about adolescents and substance abuse. This paper will take the reader through all of the steps that are necessary to have an effective group therapy as well as how to run aspect of that group.

Alcohol, Opioids and stimulant abuse have been an increasing problem within the United States. Several treatment approaches have been researched and developed to help curb the growing substance abuse issues. Some of the programs developed have been proven unsuccessful and received very little support. Currently, more evidence practices are being incorporated within the treatment process. The abuse of substances impacts mental, physical health and leads to problems in social functioning. Alcohol Anonymous (AA) 12 step program has been deemed efficacious and continuous to be a successful intervention for individuals who abuse alcohol. Several other interventions modeling AA were developed such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Methadone Anonymous

The first two groups were mixed gender adults, the third group was available to only women, and the third group was a dual diagnosis group. Adolescent groups are available in the evenings. I attended Group 1 that was led by a psychotherapist. The topic to explore was “Powerless and Control.” The goal or objective was for the client to further recognize theirs powerlessness over addictive disorders. As I witnessed the clients share their personal feelings, I noticed that the therapist encouraged clients to solve their own problems rather than giving them what he would consider to be solutions. He also repeatedly used the effective therapeutic communication of reflection. For example, the therapist would say, “So it made you felt angry and frustrated…” when a client gave an account of a heated argument with her

There are many contributing factors and political issues that address substance abuse. Throughout the years, many researchers have designed many interventions and social policies designed to treat people who have used, abused, and became addicted to substances. Today, there are many new studies that address substance abuse at the individual, group, family, and community or policy levels. Today, there are many services that are effective for decreasing recidivism in youth who have completed a substance abuse program. A substance abuse treatment program or center is the best way to treat individuals who have abused substances.