addiction treatment homework planner pdf free

addiction treatment homework planner pdf free

Addiction Treatment Homework Planner

1. Introduction

The soul that is high-spirited is never hindered from the path it believes so favored by God, although it struggles daily through the fear of death. The allotment and general goal of addiction treatment is to support patients upon their pathway through the initial “battle for control” of their life and desires, as they turn to the desire to fulfill predetermined moral obligations and established thinking. Charles K. Ullman, MD, who continues to be the “Modern Day North Eastern Evangelist of the Alcoholics Anonymous Movement,” is clear in his assertions. Should grow into a future in which all addiction professionals are like Surgeon General’s first Interim Report, 1964) and openly embrace the essence of all involving treatment philosophy. Just as with Brock Chisholm, all of us role as addiction professionals should never stand in the way of the “man of fair stature” as he asks for, and depends upon, treatment-focused aid.

The addictive behaviors in the United States have been largely ignored for far too long. Several important observers were quick to spot this historic oversight. The task of helping addiction specialists integrate spiritually with established methods of treatment was a challenge that was met with resistance. Should it be necessary to carefully exercise extreme caution stemming from overt reference to Christian tenets and biblical passages? The historical social dynamic of treating any addiction has been cautious at best, and contentious at worst. The new level of care to which individuals have come to realize their personal battles are a “gift” from God leads individuals upon a pathway to spiritual living characterized by practical “own hurts”.

2. Assessing Addiction

Myths are commonly “known” information that is rarely accurate. For example, Jimi, a heroin addict, might once have heard that heroin was an over-the-counter drug. Another example is Slick, an alcoholic, getting too much of his/her information on letting the “poison out” or using a cold shower, instead of inside. This myth resulted in both males suffering from alcohol poisoning. The last example is when Cool, a cocaine addict, assumed that her body would never become addicted if she did not inject. As professionals, we can only say a myth is often simply defined as an untruth. Rather than consider using a more sympathetic label for a myth, the only identifying characteristic is falsehood. Know myths and verify. “Street wisdom” often is simply incorrect. The assessment, like everything else, is a process. Typically, this does not all happen within a session or day. Listen to the involving client and get feedback, prior records, and ask colleagues. If it is a minor (less than 21-35 years old depending on jurisdiction), obtain consent if the client is still a dependent minor. In all situations, always check the jurisdiction and the laws where you are working. Most of the time, you must at least get consent and in some cases, in the name of dual-custody, it is mandated by law. Always ask if unsure.

This chapter provides an outline for the comprehensive assessment of addiction. This outline appears in the form of a master treatment plan and takes the form of a questionnaire. It is okay to research, ask clients, professionals, and other sources to get the answers. Clients can best discuss their own problems and diagnosis. This is a structure for the case conceptualization and treatment plan. Understand that this is only an exercise and each section does not have to be answered on the very first day or session. After dispelling myths (myths are discussed in the early part of the book), a comprehensive assessment can be conducted because the client may be more willing to share additional information. Memorize this outline so that you can ask these questions in a way that fits your style during the session and to check if differences have been ascertained.

3. Developing Treatment Goals

On the other hand, some clients may be ambivalent about treatment. Perhaps they are being forced into treatment by their employers or loved ones. Others may have tried to change a number of times before and have benefited little or not at all. Some may be in denial about the existence, severity, and adverse effects of their substance use disorder. Still others may be traumatized or overwhelmed with immediate life difficulties. Regardless of the reason for the client’s lack of enthusiasm for treatment, it is best that the counselor endorse a good-therapist model, use good counseling micro-skills, and introduce a client-centered approach which helps to build a therapeutic alliance.

Selecting appropriate goals and objectives for use in the addiction treatment homework planner is a crucial step in the treatment planning process. Without appropriate goals and objectives, effective treatment is unlikely. It is generally believed that clients are more likely to achieve successful outcomes when they are motivated to attain valued goals. Moreover, clients treated with a “top-down” approach (in which the counselor sets the agenda) rather than a “bottom-up” (in which clients set the agenda) approach have been found to have better outcomes. This is in keeping with the theory of operant conditioning and the concept of intrinsic motivation favored by those in the school of humanistic and existential psychology. Yet, even clients treated in a humanistic, client-centered approach may be encouraged to set goals. Endorsing a client-centered treatment approach, Hubble and Duncan wrote: “Many clients respond positively to the idea of planning, as it mirrors their own larger hopes and dreams for therapy.

4. Creating Treatment Interventions

Plan 1 presents an organized approach for upper-class and lower-class reckless addicts. This plan will focus on twelve identified problems. The first problem is anger suppression. This is a defense mechanism used by parents or individuals to minimize the stress that results from repeated negative experiences. By minimizing or avoiding confrontation with an adversary, the individual ensures emotional stability. People who seek treatment are in this mode. They are dealing with denial-repression about the seriousness of their addiction. These individuals make remarks such as “I am tired of people getting in my business.” These clients view family members, employers, and other authority figures as enemies, not team members. These individuals continuously use the tactics of “attacking and running,” using meaningless non sequiturs and other unpredictable remarks to engage in manipulation.

Detailed are specific plans for each of the identified addiction or behavioral problems. The problems and plans are selected by experienced counselors, clergy members, psychiatric nurses, therapists, and social workers in tandem with addicted individuals, as well as family members and other support individuals. Treatment Plan Overviews and Treatment Interventions are presented. These treatment plans are to be used as guidelines for reckless addicts and their families only. Plan 1 addresses problems such as anger, attention deficit/hyperactivity, economical setbacks, antisocial or criminal behavior, causes, excessive use of general, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs, and failure to obtain and retain a job at one or more points in time. Plan 1 presents a broad view by answering the questions: What difficulties are to be worked at? What is the specific approach? How will the primary therapist assist addicted patients in finding a solution?

5. Monitoring Progress and Maintaining Sobriety

Prevention is the key. Regular attention to relapse prevention helps to maintain sobriety with increasing ease and security, even though feelings of vulnerability may be a constant companion throughout recovery. Your recovery is a work in progress that will need your attention indefinitely, much like a garden that requires regular tending to remain healthy and capable of withstanding weeds and other threats to the vitality of the garden. Regular attention to relapse prevention will come less frequently as you become increasingly more able to comfortably face and mitigate the influence of dangerous or toxic circumstances or situations. While on a path moment, recognizing that a mere 6 months ago your regular alcohol or other drug use was a daily priority, and now sobriety seems second nature, you may not have had major cravings and have forgotten many of your daily relapse prevention activities in the name of “normalcy”. However, just as the end is in sight for a farmer’s efforts in tending to his or her garden, the farmer still needs regular tending to keep that garden healthy over time.

Monitoring progress and maintaining sobriety have structured your time and efforts to achieve sobriety, and you have worked diligently to maintain your hard-earned recovery. As tempting as it might be to take a break, now is not the time to ease up. Although you have made significant progress, your recovery must remain a top priority, particularly in light of those times when you are vulnerable and are least likely to be thinking about relapse prevention – catch 22 personified.