Therapists Overview

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

GOALS OF THE EXERCISE

1. 2. Establish a sustained recovery that is free of addictive behaviors. Increase awareness of personal losses and problems associated with addictive behaviors. Collect objective facts about the impact of alcohol or other drug use or addictive behaviors. Increase motivation for change to avoid further problems brought on by or made worse by addictions.

3.

4.

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL

Eating Disorders Gambling Nicotine Dependence Opioid Dependence

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH CLIENT

The Problem Identification activity is suited for individual or group use. This is, in a way, the opposite of the Consequences of Continuing Addictive Lifestyles exercise. Whereas the latter guides the client in creating a yet list of negative consequences, this activity walks him/her through systematically listing at one time in one place the negative things that have already happenedin a way, conducting a self-intervention. Follow-up to this exercise might include writing about reflections afterward; sharing responses with the therapist, treatment group, and program sponsor; and moving on to the Personal Recovery Planning activity.

EXERCISE XXXVIII.D

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

People dont usually get treatment or help until they find themselves in some kind of crisis. Crises are good motivators, but they dont usually last as long as the underlying problems. To stay in recovery, we need to look at our addictive behaviors over the long run, beyond the crises that get us to act. If you wonder whether you have a problem with alcohol, another drug, or another addictive behavior, or how serious your problem is, compare the events in your life with each of these categories. 1. Below is a brief, partial list of common experiences that encourage people who are practicing addictive lifestyles to decide that they should change these patterns, that their addictions are causing them problems, and that they want help. Please check all those that apply to you. Loss of Important Relationships Because of Addictions Divorce or equivalent Loss of close friendships Unpayable debts Loss of a vehicle Loss of professional status Children, parents, siblings alienated Loss of respect from coworkers Loss of employment Loss of a home Bankruptcy

Practical Difficulties Resulting from Addictions

Legal problems (e.g., arrest, jail, probation, loss of drivers license) Dangerous/Harmful Situations Resulting from Addictions Health problems DUIs, DWIs, or car wrecks accidents Fights while under the own influence or coming down Suicidal ideation, attempts Violence Things We Once Thought We Would Never Do Letting down friends Repeatedly breaking promises actions under the influence Self-injury Recreational accidents Work injuries, falls, or other

Harm to others as a result of ones

Lying to partners/families Letting down employers

Stealing from partners/families/work Abusing family members

EXERCISE XXXVIII.D

Selling drugs addiction Exchanging sex for alcohol children or other drugs 2.

Committing Endangering

crimes others,

to

support especially

When you think about your life without alcohol, other drugs, or the other addictive behavior, what emotions do you feel?

3.

Do you see any other evidence that your use of alcohol, other drugs, or other addictive behavior is causing problems in your life? If you do, what is it?

4.

On a scale of 110 (1 = not at all and 10 = extremely important), how important is it for you to make changes to your use of alcohol, other drugs, or other addictive behavior at this time? On a scale of 110 (1 = not at all and 10 = extremely confident), how confident are you that you could begin to make changes to your alcohol, other drug, or other addictive behavior if you wanted to?

5.

Be sure to bring this handout back to your next therapy session, and be prepared to talk about your thoughts and feelings about the exercise.