4 areas: impaired control, social impairment, risky use, pharm criteria

Mild: meets 2-3 symptoms

Moderate: meets 4-5 symptoms

Severe: meets 6 or more symptoms 

Criteria indicates 11 symptoms that can occur across those categories above:

• Using more of a substance than intended or using it for longer than you’re meant to.

• Trying to cut down or stop using the substance but being unable to.

• Experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance.

• Needing more of the substance to get the desired effect — also called tolerance.

• Developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

• Spending more time getting and using drugs and recovering from substance use.

• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school because of substance use.

• Continuing to use even when it causes relationship problems.

• Giving up important or desirable social and recreational activities due to substance use.

• Using substances in risky settings that put you in danger.

• Continuing to use despite the substance causing problems to your physical and mental health.////

cite ppt

Audience: Client

Diagnosis(es)/Condition(s) & Age Range/Population: Substance use disorder

Purpose: Use motivational interviewing to support understanding the motivation for changing habits with substance use in order to support occupations that the client wants to return/participate such as finding healthy habits, routines, coping skills, role participation, and leisure exploration to build a change plan.

Instructions: 

1. Ask about the client's interests, hobbies, current roles they have.

2. Explore the client's concerns that impact their occupations in a nonjudgemental way.

3. Focus on their strengths.

4. Use reflective listening and change talk.

5. Summarize their motivation for change and make a change plan.

6. Practice building the change plan into the client's routine.

Rationale & Impact on Function: The rationale for this activity is that reducing/stopping substance use is difficult to handle especially with a SUD that impedes with their occupation and can be stigmatizing. Using motivational interviewing can reduce self-stigma, support healthy habits and coping skills, and make a plan for incorporating these into their routines.

Audience: Client

Diagnosis(es)/Condition(s) & Age Range/Population: Substance use disorder

Purpose: Support awareness of triggers and exploring coping strategies.

Instructions: 

1. Educate client on the visual.

2. Discuss what are possible triggers in their daily occupations.

3. Work on the coping strategies listed and use as a visual reminder when participating in their occupations.

Rationale & Impact on Function: