Substance Use Disorder and Therapy Interventions

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Occupational Therapy Interventions

• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex condition characterized by uncontrolled substance use despite harmful consequences.
• Types of substances include alcohol, drugs (prescription and recreational), tobacco, and other psychoactive substances.
• SUD often impacts various areas of functioning, affecting an individual's ability to engage in meaningful activities and roles.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Biological factors such as genetics and brain chemistry, as well as mental health disorders, play a role in SUD.
• Psychosocial factors like trauma, stress, environmental influences, and peer pressure can also contribute to SUD development.
• Occupational impairments often arise, including loss of occupational roles, disrupted routines, and impaired performance in daily activities.

Signs and Symptoms of SUD

• Behavioral signs can include neglect of personal responsibilities, social withdrawal, and risky behaviors.
• Physical symptoms may involve changes in appetite, weight, sleep patterns, or a decline in overall physical health.
• Psychological indicators could include mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, and cognitive changes.

Low-Risk Drinking (According to NIAAA)

• For men, low-risk drinking is defined as no more than 4 drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week.
• For women, low-risk drinking is defined as no more than 3 drinks per day and no more than 7 drinks per week.

Addiction: Choices, Habits, or Disease?

• The treatment community views substance abuse and addiction as a disease.
• While some individuals can experiment with substances without becoming addicted, others develop addiction due to biological, environmental, and developmental factors.
• Addiction significantly alters brain structure and function by disrupting communication between nerve cells.
• Brain development continues until at least age 21.

Substance Use Disorder (Neurological Perspective)

• Drugs directly activate the brain's reward system, triggering feelings of pleasure.
• The specific pleasurable feelings evoked vary by drug type.

Impact of SUD on Occupational Performance

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) might decline due to poor motivation, lack of coordination, or physical health problems.
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as managing finances, work performance, and household responsibilities, could be affected.
• Social participation, including relationships and leisure activities, may be negatively impacted.

Role of Occupational Therapy in SUD Recovery

• Primary goals of occupational therapy include improving daily functioning, establishing healthy routines, and building resilience against relapse.
• Focus areas include enhancing life skills, and promoting healthy social interactions.

OT Assessment Tools for SUD

• Tools like the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) assessments, and Occupational Performance History Interview (OPHI-II) assess strengths, limitations, and areas impacted by substance abuse.

OT Interventions for SUD: Building Coping Skills

• Stress management techniques like mindfulness, relaxation training, and cognitive-behavioral strategies are implemented.
• Healthy habits and routines, such as establishing a sleep schedule, meal planning, and structuring daily activities are addressed.
• Social skills training focuses on enhancing communication, managing conflicts, and boundary setting.

OT Interventions: Life Skills and Vocational Trainin

• Life skills training covers budgeting, meal planning, time management, and household management.
• Vocational rehabilitation includes job training, setting employment goals, and supporting re-entry into the workforce.

OT Interventions: Leisure and Recreation Engagement

• Rediscovering interests and encouraging healthy leisure activities are promoted as alternatives to substance use.
• Examples include art therapy, sports, creative hobbies, and community involvement.

Group Therapy in OT for SUD

• Group therapy types include psychoeducation, skill-building, support groups, and relapse prevention.
• Fostering peer support, reducing isolation, enhancing motivation, and providing a safe space for practice are key benefits.

Challenges in OT for SUD

• Barriers to engagement include stigma, low motivation, relapse, and co-occurring mental health issues.
• Strategies to overcome barriers include building rapport, motivational interviewing, individualized care plans, and gradual goal setting.

This quiz explores Substance Use Disorder (SUD), its causes, risk factors, and the impact on occupational therapy interventions. Understand the different types of substances involved and the signs and symptoms of SUD. Test your knowledge on how SUD affects daily functioning and engagement in meaningful activities.