Posted: January 16th, 2024

Week 8 Assign: Addictive disorders can be particularly challenging for clients

Addictive disorders can be particularly challenging for clients. Not only do these disorders typically interfere with a client’s ability to function in daily life, but they also often manifest as negative and sometimes criminal behaviors. Sometime clients with addictive disorders also suffer from other mental health issues, creating even greater struggles for them to overcome. In your role, you have the opportunity to help clients address their addictions and improve outcomes for both the clients and their families.

Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider the insights they provide about diagnosing and treating addictive disorders. As you watch the 187 Models of Treatment for Addiction video, consider what treatment model you may use the most with clients presenting with addiction.
Search the Walden Library databases and choose a research article that discusses a therapeutic approach for treating clients, families, or groups with addictive disorders.
In a 5- to 10-slide PowerPoint presentation, address the following. Your title and references slides do not count toward the 5- to 10-slide limit.

Provide an overview of the article you selected.
What population (individual, group, or family) is under consideration?
What was the specific intervention that was used? Is this a new intervention or one that was already studied?
What were the author’s claims?
Explain the findings/outcomes of the study in the article. Include whether this will translate into practice with your own clients. If so, how? If not, why?
Explain whether the limitations of the study might impact your ability to use the findings/outcomes presented in the article.
Use the Notes function of PowerPoint to craft presenter notes to expand upon the content of your slides.
Support your response with at least three other peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. Provide references to your sources on your last slide. Be sure to include the article you used as the basis for this Assignment.

Addiction is a chronic disease that impacts many aspects of an individual’s functioning. A biopsychosocial approach that considers genetic, environmental, and psychological factors is most effective for assessment and treatment. Comorbid mental health issues are also common, requiring an integrated treatment plan. The chronic care model emphasizes collaborative practices, self-management support, delivery system design, decision support, clinical information systems, and community resources to improve long-term outcomes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach shown to be effective for addictions. CBT helps clients build coping skills, manage triggers/cravings, and change maladaptive thought patterns contributing to substance use. Motivational interviewing is also useful to explore ambivalence and strengthen intrinsic motivation for change. Family therapy models engage social support systems and address codependency issues that can otherwise enable addictive behaviors.
A 2020 study evaluated a CBT relapse prevention program for patients in outpatient addiction treatment. The program focused on high-risk situations, coping strategies, and lifestyle balance. Results found significantly lower substance use and higher treatment retention rates compared to those receiving standard care alone. This cost-effective program demonstrates how an empirically-supported intervention can be implemented in real-world clinical settings to improve outcomes.
In summary, treatment should be individualized based on comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment but generally incorporate psychoeducation, coping skills training, relapse prevention strategies, and engagement of social support systems. While challenges exist, a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic relationship combined with evidence-based practices increases hope and empowerment for clients seeking recovery from addictive disorders. I hope these insights are helpful for your thoughtful consideration of diagnostic and treatment approaches. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.

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