Reference no: EM133712658

Discussion Post

Part I

What are the key factors that you should consider for relapse prevention when working with a Substance Abuse client?

Part II

Select 2 techniques (from below) and describe how you would incorporate this into an "aftercare plan" for an inmate that you are working with as they prepare to transition out of the prison system and back to society. What steps would you take to support their successful transition back to the community?

1) Learning how to delay and distract in response to cravings, by engaging in constructive activities, writing (e.g., journaling), communicating with supportive others, going to meetings, and other positive means by which to ride out the wave of craving until it subsides.

2) Identifying dysfunctional ways of thinking (e.g., "permission-giving beliefs") and getting into the habit of thinking and writing effective responses. For example, a patient learns to spot the thought, "I haven't used in 90 days, so I deserve a little ‘holiday' from my sobriety," and to replace it with a thought such as, "What I really deserve is to keep my sobriety streak alive, to support my recovery one day at a time, including today, and to stop trying to fool myself with drug-seeking thoughts."

3) Developing and practicing a repertoire of appropriately assertive comments with which to politely turn down offers of a drink (or other substance) from someone (e.g., "Thanks, but I'll just have a ginger ale, doctor's orders!").

4) Learning how to solve problems directly and effectively, rather than trying to drown out a problem by getting impaired, which only serves to worsen the problem.

5) Becoming conversant in the "pros and cons" of using alcohol and other drugs, versus the pros and cons of being sober, and being able to address distortions in thinking along the way.

6) Practicing the behaviors and attitudes of self-respect, including counteracting beliefs that otherwise undermine oneself and lead to helplessness and hopelessness (e.g., "I'm a bad person anyway, so I might as well mess up my life by using.").

7) Utilizing healthy social support, such as 12-step fellowship (12SF) meetings, friends and family who support sobriety, and staying away from those who would undermine therapeutic goals.

8) Making lifestyle changes that support sobriety and self-efficacy, including having a healthy daily routine, refraining from cursing and raging, engaging in meaningful hobbies, and doing things that promote spirituality and serenity (e.g., yoga).