Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6605-7664

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

Amanda Acord-Vira

Committee Co-Chair

Paige Drury

Committee Member

Kayleigh Nolan

Committee Member

Heather Livengood

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are becoming a more widespread issue globally. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in the U.S. suffered from an SUD in 2017. (SAMSHA, 2018). Recurrent alcohol and/or drug use that results in significant disability, including health issues, and/or a failure to prioritize obligations like employment, school, or family life are characteristics of SUD (SAMHSA, 2022). Research suggests that healthcare providers must integrate cutting-edge and successful treatments for this population to lower the risk of overdose and relapse rates, given the swift global spread of addictive disorders. In the past, the literature suggests that treatments for this population often follow a more medical model approach and revolve around treating the observed signs and symptoms that result from addiction, despite other holistic factors often impacting health outcomes as well. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are trained to view clients holistically and support clients with SUDs, indicating that OT could be a valuable intervention approach for individuals with SUDs. This doctoral capstone project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of OT groups for individuals seeking recovery from an SUD to further examine implications for OT services for this client population. Through needs assessment surveys focused on occupational areas of need and social determinants of health, 6 occupational-based group protocols were determined, developed, and implemented at Lauren’s Wish Addiction Triage Center. Pre- and post-group surveys before and following each group session were utilized to evaluate group effectiveness; group protocols were developed utilizing Cole’s 7-step as a guiding framework.

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