Substance abuse disorder is the continued use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or medications that are not prescribed with significant disruption of meaningful activities. This disorder does not discriminate by age, gender, race, sexual identity etc. Examples of co-occurring disorders include bipolar disorder, moderate alcohol use disorder, schizophrenia and severe cocaine use disorder.
Audience: Client
Diagnosis & Population: Diagnosis of substance abuse disorder and can apply for any ages
Instructions & Materials: Occupational therapy practitioner to sit down with the client and find out what their current daily routine currently is. Based off of that, they will work together to come up with a healthy schedule using a calendar or any form of organization that works best for the client. For example, replacing hobbies and valued occupations in place of when they would use substances.
Purpose: To make a schedule that helps the client understand when they are engaging in substance abuse and how they can change it.
Rationale & Impact on Function: Client will be able to understand how engaging in other meaningful occupations can benefit their overall well-being. Occupational therapist can also encourage coping strategies for when the client is thinking about using again and for when they may be in distress from withdrawal. Client will be able to engage in important occupations that they may have had before substance abuse.
Brown, C., Stoffel, V. C., & Munoz, J. (2019). Occupational therapy in mental health: A vision for participation
(2nd ed.). F.A. Davis.