Occupational Therapy in Addiction Services

Drug and alcohol use and its associated psychological, physiological and societal harms remain a significant European and Worldwide issue (EMCDDA, 2015; UNODC, 2015).The importance of meaningful occupation in sustaining... [ view full abstract ]

Drug and alcohol use and its associated psychological, physiological and societal harms remain a significant European and Worldwide issue (EMCDDA, 2015; UNODC, 2015).The importance of meaningful occupation in sustaining recovery is increasingly evident in substance misuse research (McIntosh and McKeganey, 2000). Substance dependence has an inherent occupational nature i.e. “a great deal of time is spent in activities related to substance use and important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use” (DSM-IV, APA, 1994). Commencing treatment and stopping an active substance using lifestyle can leave clients with a vacuum in their day to day life resulting in them feeling deskilled as well as lacking confidence, roles and a sense of identity.

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce participants with an interest in addictions to the management of drug and alcohol addiction in an NHS Service and the key role of Occupational Therapy within these services. Participants will be also introduced to the different types of substances clients use and their effects, informed of methods used to screen for alcohol use problems and of the recognizable signs of substance misuse. There will be an open format for discussion about issues participants have experienced in this area when working with clients/patients in any setting and the sharing of good practice examples.