Southern New Hampshire University Addiction and Group Therapy Discussion Julie uses heroin for her reported chronic pain. She states that if she does not t

Southern New Hampshire University Addiction and Group Therapy Discussion Julie uses heroin for her reported chronic pain. She states that if she does not take something for her pain, she becomes depressed and suicidal. She has agreed to see a counselor. She has also stated that she does not know anything about her treatment options but is willing to try any method to overcome her addiction and depression.

Based on what you have learned in this module, explain to her the advantages and disadvantages of the following techniques as well as the possible outcomes:

12-step program
Group therapy
Behavioral contracting
Pharmacotherapy
Relapse prevention

Once you have posted, review at least two of your classmates’ posts. Read over their advantages/disadvantages and outcomes. Do you share the same? Discuss which options you think would be the best for Julie.

Reply 1: Jennifer White

Hello Class,

The 12-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. It was originally established with Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939, detailing the well-known Steps and Traditions that now serve as the established guide to addictions recovery and maintenance among group members (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2020). There are several advantages of this program. You are more likely to establish personal growth in a group setting versus individual counseling because it offers support and encouragement. The 12-step group allows its members to recognize that their problems are not unique, and members have the opportunity to learn about themselves through the experience of others; to experience emotional closeness and caring that encourage meaningful disclosure of the self; and to identify with the struggles of other members (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2020). It also allows the counselor to see 3 times more people in a group setting then individual one on one sessions. There are also some disadvantages of the program. Not everyone is suited for the group experience and do not benefit from the group. Some might use the group to vent about their lives but not actually learn anything from it or grow. Some individuals can become overly dependent on the group. A possible outcome is that the member continually works the program and finds a sustainable recovery plan. Another possible outcome is that the member relapses but hopefully finds their way back to the 12-step program.

Group therapy is an interpersonal treatment approach that emphasizes an expression of thoughts and feelings geared toward insight and behavioral change (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2020). It offers advantages by creating a sense of universality and that people are not alone with their struggles. It provides empathy and support which helps establish the atmosphere for the counseling process. An advantage issuing a collective mindset to gain perspective on an individual counseling issue (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2020). There are also disadvantages. One disadvantage is that group counseling is not for everyone. The dynamics and interpersonal risks involved may prove to be too overwhelming for some members, and some counseling issues cannot best be treated through the group process. Another disadvantage is that sometimes group conflicts escalate into hostile behavior. A possible outcome of group therapy is that the members finds a group that they can relate with and remains clean and sober.

Behavioral contracting is a commitment with the member to overcome their addiction. It teaches clients about their interconnections between thoughts, emotions and behaviors and provides tools for managing the activation of the three that could increase one risk for relapse (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2020). They create goals that are relevant and important. One advantage of setting goals is that it helps maintain the client’s motivation. It is very important for the client to identify triggers. Another advantage is that it is one of the primary tools used to change negative thinking and develop healthy life coping skills (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2020). A disadvantage is that research shows that lack of actual and perceived positive social support or the existence of social pressure is associated with relapse vulnerability (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2020). A possible outcome is that the client will make the contract and follow the 5 rules: change your life; be completely honest; ask for help; practice self-care; and don’t bend the rules. Following these set of rules and finding a better way to live and have fun will help the client from relapsing.

Pharmacotherapy is where you use prescribed medication to prevent you from using illegal substances. The medication helps to stop your craving for the addiction you suffer from. Some types of medications that help to curb the cravings are benzodiazepines such as lorazepam, diazepam, and chlordiazepoxide. An advantage is that the medication helps curb the cravings and some studies show that members using this form of treatment stay clean and sober. One disadvantage is that a person’s addiction can change to the medication they are taking to stop their addiction. A possibility is that the members craving for their addiction is curbed and they do not relapse.

Relapse prevention is a set of tools and strategies used to prevent lapses by interrupting cognitions, emotions, stressors, traumas, behaviors, and other triggers that typically cause a client to resort to substance use or initiate a cascade of cravings (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2020). Relapse prevention provides training to members on techniques that they will find useful in preventing or eliminating a potential relapse episode. An advantage is that it is specific and catered to the members addiction to include the length of the addiction. A disadvantage is that it is at the mercy of the person to continue on the course of recovery. A Possible outcome could be that the member has a total elimination of relapse.

Respectfully,

Jennifer

Reference:

Capuzzi, D., Stauffer, M. D. (2020). Foundations of Addictions Counseling. [MBS Direct]. Retrieved from https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780135169858/

Reply 2:

Colleen Paveleck

12-Step Program: This technique has been used to help anyone suffering from addictions maintain abstinence from their addictive behaviors and substances that they are using. In this program, patients are admitting to their addictions and they are accepting that they cannot control this on their own and that they need and are motivated to get help. This program entails group therapy which has been known to help many individuals struggling with addictions.

Group Therapy: With working alongside other individuals struggling with similar or different addictions, it has been known to be very beneficial for confidence levels and recovery among all patients engaged in this type of therapy. 12-step is also involved in group therapy, which also helps patients recover and build confidence in themselves and in their futures and successes that they can achieve.

Behavioral Contracting: contract that is written by two parties to curb undesirable habits and behaviors. Patients build accountability and confidence that they can and will overcome this problem that they are facing and to never give up while in treatment. In Julie’s case with her addiction to heroin, I believe that this will be a great fit for her and her rode to recovery, even though it will take time and lots of effort on her part-she will succeed during this long haul.

Pharmacotherapy: a type of therapy where medications are used in treatment to help prevent dangers of withdrawal symptoms. There are some side effects in Julie’s case where she will possibly experience that will make withdrawing from heroin difficult, however physicians will help her recover and withdraw safely even though this is a dangerous addiction that she has going on.

Relapse Prevention: It is possible that a relapse could occur for Julie. If she is experiencing a tragedy or a mental breakdown, she could go back to taking substances to help try to calm her intense emotions. It will be a challenge for her as she will be aware once recovered of the locations that she was at when taking heroin. She will have to challenge herself to know where she she avoid to be tempted to restart heroin. The relapse prevention program, however teaches patients how to focus on how and why they recovered and overcame their addictions, which will help them be aware and stabilized to not want to ever take the substances again. That is the goal and hope for this treatment.

References:

Capuzzi, D. & Stauffer, M. D. (2020). Foundations of Addiction Counseling. 4th edition. Pearson.