I have been taking supervision sessions with an addictions specialist as this is an area I want more knowledge around.
We discussed the following that can help clients with addictions:
1. CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions.
2. Disease Model + AA + * role of community/ fellowship and connection
Disease model, addiction is a brain disease. It is characterized by altered brain structure and functioning. These brain abnormalities cause persons with this disease to become addicted to substances or activities, once exposure to these substances or activities occurs. This model considers addiction irreversible once acquired.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.
3. Harm Reduction Model
Harm reduction is an umbrella term for interventions aiming to reduce the problematic effects of behaviors. Most frequently associated with substance use, harm reduction also applies to any decisions that have negative consequences associated with them
4. Cycle of Change
The “stages of change” or “transtheoretical” model is a way of describing the process by which people overcome addiction. The stages of change can be applied to a range of other behaviors that people want to change, but have difficulty doing so, but it is most well-recognized for its success in treating people with addictions.
Become aware of the negative consequences of their behaviours as well as the rewards which engaging in those behaviours provide them. Addressing each of these two aspects of cost-benefit analysis can make a significant difference in helping you stop engaging in unwanted behaviours.
6. Mindfulness
