Morin, A.M.F. & James, D. (2024). Substance use disorders (SUD). [PowerPoint]https://kodiak.wne.edu/d2l/le/content/114052/viewContent/1707614/View  

Morin, A.M.F. & James, D. (2024). Substance use disorders (SUD). [PowerPoint]https://kodiak.wne.edu/d2l/le/content/114052/viewContent/1707614/View  

Audience: Client 

Diagnosis(es)/Condition(s): Substance use disorder, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, ASD, ADHD, I/DD, conduct disorders, stress-related disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, neurocognitive disorders

Age Range/Population: All ages

Purpose: The purpose of the intervention is to help the client explore new ways to manage stress, reduce negative emotions, and occupy their time in meaningful, healthy ways. By identifying activities that are enjoyable and fulfilling, the client can begin to replace old patterns of substance use with positive and adaptive leisure options. 

Instructions: Start by discussing the client’s past interests or hobbies, helping them identify activities that once brought them joy or relaxation. Present a variety of leisure activities (e.g., arts and crafts, physical exercise, gardening, reading, volunteering, cooking) and discuss each one with the client, highlighting its potential benefits. The client will rate their interest or willingness to try each activity and from the list of activities, select one or two to try during the session. The client should be encouraged to practice these activities outside of sessions to build new routines and habits. 

Rationale & Impact on Function: Firstly, this directly relates to leisure exploration and participation as a means of finding more positive, controlled activities to replace old maladaptive habits. Trying to have a client remove the substance that has become a part of their identity will not remain long-term without finding activities to fill the gap the lack of the substance will create. Depending on the activity, it can promote a mix of occupational performance and functioning: promote health management if they are physical or nutritional activities, social participation through any interaction with others, work through employment pursuits or volunteer exploration, informal educational needs or interests' exploration, IADLs in meal preparation or gardening for home establishment & management. These are some examples but allowing the client to reflect on other meaningful occupations they may have or have had in the past will help them play an active role in their recovery and motivate them to be more willing to do so if they have a choice in decisions.

Reference(s): Morin, A.M.F. & James, D. (2024). Substance use disorders (SUD). [PowerPoint]https://kodiak.wne.edu/d2l/le/content/114052/viewContent/1707614/View 

Brandenburg, M. (Host). (2023, March). Substance abuse research and treatment [Audio podcast episode]. In Everyday evidence. American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/publications/podcast-transcripts/substance-use-disorder-transcript.docx 

Audience: Client 

Diagnosis(es)/Condition(s): Substance use disorder, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, ASD, ADHD, I/DD, conduct disorders, stress-related disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, neurocognitive disorders

Age Range/Population: Young Adult, Adult, Geriatrics

Purpose: As a part of the OT scope, "improved functional routines and participation in satisfying occupations like employment can support the formation of pro-social habits and productive use of time, important aspects of SUD recovery, while an individual is attempting to abstain from drug use" (Wheeler et al., 2022). Unemployment plagues individuals with SUDs at a much higher rate than others, creating a higher risk of relapse (Wheeler et al., 2022). Individuals often use substances to alleviate stressors of reality, some of which are finances and work-related so helping the client develop positive, proactive working skills, can help them manage their work-induced stress to prevent the need and reliance on the substance while also building confidence in professional skills to motivate clients to embark on employment pursuits. These interventions can be tailored to the individual’s needs and goals, whether they are looking to enter the workforce, maintain a job, or transition into a new career, and help them gain stability, purpose, and structure in their daily lives. 

Instructions: Depending on the client's goals, specific work skills can be addressed. Some examples include:

• Task prioritization - helping clients break down work tasks to ensure they manage their time and prevent overload that could exacerbate substance cravings.

• Communication training - working with clients on how to assert their needs in the workplace and establish healthy boundaries with its members to reduce stress and prevent situations that allow substances to be a coping mechanism.

• Vocational skills development - using opportunities to develop skills related to their interests (eg. electrical or construction).

• Mindfulness techniques - introduce quick, easy exercises to use in times of high anxiety or stress at work.

• Resume building & interview scenarios- to prepare clients to obtain a job to feel more confident in their abilities.

Rationale & Impact on Function: The intervention focus can help clients develop the necessary skills to regain meaningful participation in daily activities, reduce the risk of relapse, and enhance overall well-being. These skills can help with building healthy routines, improving time management, and developing coping strategies to manage stress and triggers. While the goal is employment participation, the stress reduction that may be caused by the workplace can assist in enhanced health management and leisure activities. Learning to manage relationships and have those conversations can assist in job performance and maintenance, social participation, and symptom & condition management.

Reference(s): Morin, A.M.F. & James, D. (2024). Substance use disorders (SUD). [PowerPoint]https://kodiak.wne.edu/d2l/le/content/114052/viewContent/1707614/View 

Wheeler, S., Davis, D., & Acord-Vira, A. (2022). Occupational therapy's role in return to work and substance use disorder in a general practice setting. SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 7(1), 30-33. https://www.aota.org/publications/sis-quarterly/work-industry-sis/wisis-2-22