Psycho-social interventions

Knowing your service user’s motivation is the key to deciding where to start your intervention. Throughout this topic think about: i) why is motivation important? ii) how to assess motivation in relation to substance use? iii) what are the implications of those assessments? iv) how do you apply the results of your assessments to your treatment planning and review?

This task takes the form of a debate to raise a controversial subject about which you are expected to form an opinion. The motion is: 'motivating people to change can only happen on a one-to-one basis'.

In discussion with your study group, however you have construed it, this task is about clarifying your thoughts on how to develop your motivational interviewing skills and how you might change your own practice. Take the opportunity to practise with your study group.

This topic is about helping people modify their motivation and behaviour with the help of a supportive social network. Social Behaviour and Network Therapy, SBNT, is a flexible, structured intervention that can be applied to most addiction problems including common mental health issues. It is the first choice for addiction practitioners.

The motion here is: 'structured therapies are too rigid to be useful in the real world'.

The task for your study group is about making sure you understand the Social Behaviour and Network Therapy (SBNT) approach and how you might change your own practice. SBNT is a flexible and effective treatment for addictions.

This topic explores the role of non-professional, lived experience organisations in helping people recover from addiction and how you might help your service users access them. Mutual aid is widely available and effective as a stand alone intervention or in conjunction with professional help.

The motion for this topic is: 'mutual aid and fellowship support replace the need for treatment services'.

In your study group discussion, plan to go to some open meetings. You will probably find people describing moving experiences. Arranging with a colleague makes it more likely that you will do it. Think about any changes you might make to your practice.

This topic is about the question of how much intervention is best. By “how much?” we mean how long should the intervention go on for, how frequently should sessions occur and how long should they last? Is there an ideal answer to all these questions? Given that, so often service users vote with their feet, it is worth taking some time to think about this and plan services accordingly.

The motion to debate is: 'the briefer the intervention, the more experienced and skilful practitioners need to be'.

You are invited to discuss with your study group the place for brief interventions and how you might use them in your practice. Be sure you understand the skill level needed to deliver effective brief interventions and when they are best used.