Program Model
5 Program Elements
In the development of New Views Co-occurring Disorders Treatment Program, the Model consists of 5 elements of program development. These are:
1. Motivational Interviewing
2. Co-Occurring Disorders Education
3. A.R.R.E.S.T.
4. 12 Step Support
5. Role Practice
As an overview of this program, a brief description of the 5 identified elements are given below.
This modality of treatment is used throughout the client’s treatment stay in the program.
First, as a guide concerning their openness and insight for the need of Co-occurring Disorders Treatment, the client is evaluated on their Motivational Stage of Change (MSC) for both their Mental Health as well as their Chemical Use (alcohol/illicit drugs). These stages, Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Relapse are further described in detail later in this section.
Secondly, working with the Mental Health/Chemical Use clientele, many times a straight forward, confrontational type of therapy is not advantageous. Therefore, the therapeutic modality of treatment used is Motivational Interviewing. As a non-confrontational approach, the client is encouraged to explore and assess issues pertaining to their need for Co-occurring Disorder Treatment. Through specific interventions used by the clinician within the identified stages of motivation, the client is moved from one stage to the next in a positive manner.
For further information regarding this modality of treatment, refer to the text Motivational Interviewing - Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior by Miller & Rollnick.
The goal is to provide clients with the basic education and understanding to their need for Medication plus a Program of abstinence from alcohol/illicit drugs, for their continued co-occurring disorder Recovery (M+P=R). This is presented and reinforced in Didactic Sessions, Gender Groups, and Therapy Groups.
3
The A.R.R.E.S.T. group has been developed to specifically address clients involved in co-occurring disorder treatment through a workbook format. Aside from establishing a broad understanding to why and how the client becomes involved in their chemical use, it also guides them in identifying triggers and the development of coping skills to continue within their co-occurring disorder recovery program. The acronym for A.R.R.E.S.T. stands for the following:
Avoid negative Solutions
Refuse to use
Reach out for support
Educate yourself
Structure your time
Take part in your treatment
4
As the 12 step methodology of treatment is a program of attraction rather than promotion, it lends itself to be a comfortable and acceptable source of support and treatment for the clientele. With this in mind, the clientele are encouraged to attend and participate in 12-Step meetings for continued sober support. In turn, for the co-occurring disorder population, this also lends itself to help the clients feel normalization back into the community.
Involvement within this modality of treatment is encouraged and made available to the clients at GPPH. Aside from meetings that take place throughout the week at GPPH, New Views hosts meetings on Thursday (NA) and Friday (AA) meetings. Clients can also attend off grounds 12-Step meetings with GPPH volunteers, sponsors, and family members when Treatment Team permission is approved. They are also encouraged to attend meetings in their area of discharge when on Brief Visits with family.
If a client exhibits a strong resistance to attendance such as meetings, alternate forms of sober support can be explored for their attendance when discharged to the community.
This could include religious houses of worship or sober social clubs/gatherings.
With old behaviors being second nature for the co-occurring disorder client, new behaviors can be traumatic for them even though thought of as simplistic by society. Through Role Practice, new behaviors can be practiced and discussed within sessions to help diffuse the awkwardness of these new behaviors. Such behaviors practiced could be refusal skills to use when offered, proper participation at social events (AA/NA not excluded) or asking for a sponsor at a 12-Step meeting.