Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Deb Byram-Hanson

Keywords

Behavior, Addictive -- therapy; Substance-Related Disorders -- therapy

Abstract

Based on data from an extensive literature review and survey methodology, a product was developed to assist occupational therapists (O.T. 's) in providing individualized occupation-based interventions for clients dealing with substance abuse/dependence. Although the value of occupation-based interventions focusing on occupational performance and function has been established (Law, 2002), the literature suggests that O.T.'s working in substance abuse treatment environments generally provide group-based intervention consisting primarily of preparatory activities (Rychtarik et al., 2000). Because substance abuse often becomes a primary occupation for individuals with substance abuse issues (Stoffel & Moyers, 2004), it is imperative that O.T.'s address and support healthy occupational performance which will, in tum, support sobriety and healthy occupational functioning. Through the survey respondents and literature review, important areas of occupation identified as under-utilized for clients in therapy settings included financial management, health management and maintenance, and social participation (Stoffel & Moyers).

The product created is guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) (Stoffel, 1994; Forsyth & Keilhofner, 2003) and provides a resource for the O.T. to explore the dimensions of volition, habituation, performance capacity, and the environment in relation to how these factors influence occupational participation. The product includes a questionnaire, summary form, and intervention protocol for the occupational areas of financial management, health management and maintenance, and social participation. In addition, two case studies were developed to demonstrate the product's usage. The product provides an example for application to group settings as well as one-on-one sessions. It is recommended that a pilot study be conducted on this product, and that further development of the product include other areas of occupation.

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