Week 7

DQ1

What is a relapse prevention (RP) plan? Discuss your understanding of what relapse prevention education is and why it is important for clients in recovery. What are the most commonly used models for treatment plans and relapse prevention planning, and what are their similarities, strengths, and weaknesses?

DQ2

Imagine you are working with a client who has a substance use disorder (select a specific drug). What strategies would you use to teach him or her self-regulation skills? Why is it important for clients to learn self-regulation skills?

Assignment

Compose an essay delineating the importance of the continuum of care in relapse prevention. Be sure to include the following in your essay

1. Important components of any relapse prevention plan.

2. Relapse education: Include strategies for teaching clients self-regulation skills.

3. Incorporate the social contexts affecting addiction treatment (e.g., gender, ethnicity, environment/culture, family history).

4. A discussion of the models used in relapse prevention.

Use the GCU library to locate at least four scholarly sources in addition to the textbook in your paper.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

Part 2: Relapse Prevention Plan

Create a Relapse Prevention Plan for Ralph using the Relapse Prevention Template. Keep in mind that you would typically create a relapse prevention plan in collaboration with the client, to ensure the greatest chance for success.

Utilize the Topic 7 readings as a resource for creating your Relapse Prevention Plan.

GCU style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

Benchmark Information

This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:

BS Addiction Counseling, Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse

1.2: Explain the continuum of care and the social contexts affecting substance use and addictive disorders treatment.

2.2: Describe strategies for teaching addiction clients self-regulation skills.

2.3: Identify important components of relapse prevention as they apply to the substance use and addictive disorders client population.

How to Attach Multiple Documents to an Assignment Submission 1. Access the assignment dropbox. Click the New Attempt button in the lower right corner. 2. A New Attempt dialogue box will display. Enter the title of the attachment in the Title field. Click Choose File March 15, 2013 Page 2 of 3 3. A file explorer window will display. Find the location of the file to be uploaded. Click on the file. Click Open on the file explorer window. 4. The file will display in the box below the words Attach Documents. To attach another file, click, Choose File. 5. A file explorer window will display. Find the location of the file to be uploaded. Click on the file. Click Open on the file explorer window. March 15, 2013 Page 3 of 3 6. The additional file will display in the box below the words Attach Documents. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to attach additional files. Once all files display in the box below the words Attach Documents, click Save. 7. Multiple files will display under the Attached Documents area of the assignment dropbox. To submit the files to TII, click the Submit under the Turnitin Report column. Once the TII report similarity percentage displays, then

Case Study: Ralph

Information about Ralph

57 years old

Caucasian

Unmarried without children

Parents deceased

Referred by: Court-ordered treatment

Currently on probation

Medical:

Feels tired often and loss of energy

Gained 20 pounds since he has retired

Symptoms:

Drinks up to eight beers daily

Meets eight criteria for substance use disorder

Admits to having a problem

Has relapsed after two prior treatment programs

Feels worthless several times a week and that his life has no purpose anymore

Sometimes feels depressed

Previous Diagnosis (DSM-5):

303.90 Severe Alcohol Use Disorder

Case Study

Ralph is a 57-year-old Caucasian male who has been mandated to court ordered treatment. Ralph is currently on probation and is required to attend out-patient treatment. He is required to complete six months of substance abuse treatment. He will attend group sessions Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for two hours each day. Ralph had just received his third driving under the influence (DUI) charge in seven years. As reported by Ralph, My probation officer said I better learn how to stay sober this time. Ralph has been diagnosed in the past with Severe Alcohol Use Disorder. He admits to drinking almost daily up to eight beers at a time. His drinking progressed to the point that now even Ralph admits that it is a problem. He meets eight of the criteria for substance use disorder (DSM-5 code 303.90). He has currently been sober three weeks after his last DUI.

Ralph has been single his whole life with no children. His parents are deceased and he has a brother he rarely talks to because as Ralph states, Im tired of the lectures about my drinking. Ralph has a close friend, Mark, who he has known for over thirty years. Ralph spends a lot of time alone watching a lot of TV and drinks to relax and take his mind off of things. He admits, I really shut down after my parents passed away. He does enjoy nature and will take long walks with his dog. He states that he enjoys art and using his creativity relaxes him.

Ralph was a middle school art teacher. According to his records, he was allowed an early retirement due to his drinking. Staff members and students started to notice Ralphs issues with drinking. At times, Ralph would smell like alcohol, seemed to have memory problems, and would show up late for work, or sometimes not at all.

Ralph does not have an extended support system except for his friend Mark. He has lived alone his entire adult life. He does not drive since his license has been revoked. This is Ralphs third treatment program. He attended one 28-day in-patient treatment program after his first DUI and one out-patient programs after his second DUI. He was considered treatment compliant and completed the number of court ordered hours. He stated he would stay sober while in treatment but shortly after would always relapse. Ralph has indicated that he feels worthless several times a week and that his life has no purpose anymore, and that he would really like help developing a plan to help him stay sober this time. He attended Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the past and would not mind returning. He has never been seen by a mental health provider or diagnosed with any mental health issues though does admit he sometimes feels depressed. Ralph also mentioned that he has gained 20 pounds since he retired and often feels tired and has a lack of e

Benchmark – Relapse Prevention Plan

Create a Relapse Prevention Plan for Ralph using the Topic 7 Case Study. Keep in mind that you would typically create a relapse prevention plan in collaboration with the client, to ensure the greatest chance for success; however, in this instance, you will create one for Ralph based on what you can glean from the case study.

Part 1: Harmful/Destructive Behaviors Chart

Complete the chart below by including a minimum of three behaviors as well as associated rewards and consequences.

Harmful/destructive behaviors that Ralph will need to avoid to prevent a relapse

Possible reward for not returning to this behavior

Possible cost/consequence for returning to the behavior

1.

1.

1.

2.

2.

2.

3.

3.

3.

Part 2: Current Risks of Relapse

In this section, you will identify the steps to reduce the risk of relapse, high-risk situations, and specific triggers for Ralph.

What steps has the client already taken to reduce the risk of relapse?

What are some high-risk situations that my take away from the positive changes made?

What are some triggers that may create the urge to return to previous harmful/destructive behaviors?

Part 3: Relapse Response Plan

In this section, you will create a response plan for Ralph to use when faced with a trigger or desire to relapse. Complete the chart below that includes whom Ralph can contact for support, strategies to redirect his thoughts, and immediate actions he can take.

Two to three people that Ralph can call for support

Two strategies Ralph can use to redirect his thoughts of using

Two actions Ralph should immediately take if he has the urge to return to old behaviors

1.

1.

1.

2.

2.

2.

3.

3.

3.

Part 4: Continued Health and Well-Being

1. Identify at least two things Ralph can do to improve his health and well-being.

2. Identify at least two things Ralph can do to improve his relationships.

3. Identify at least two activities you think Ralph would enjoy that do not involve using.

Client Signature

Date

Counselor Signature