Stepaway News Blog

We have addressed the concept of dual-diagnosis, which points at the co-occurrence of mental health disorders and substance abuse.

People who experience this co-occurrence will face a very unique set challenges throughout the recovery process.

While recovery related therapy involves different therapies which facilitate recovery, occupational therapy in particular is an extremely important element.

The reason being that occupational therapy seeks to help a person learn and understand more about their disorder and/or addiction while developing healthy tools to cope with life’s challenges.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy in Addiction Recovery

Occupational therapists are trained to help their clients recognize exactly how their alcohol and substance abuse affects the roles they play which are most meaningful.

These roles include being a parent, colleague, child and spouse to name a few.

Furthermore, OT focuses on the practice of restoring necessary skills and abilities, thereby helping people function on a daily basis while enjoying the activities in which they participate.

An occupational therapist will teach recovering addicts healthy coping skills as well as alternative methods to manage daily stressors.

During addiction recovery, an occupational therapist will:

• Evaluate the person and his or her ability to function on a daily basis
• Assist the client with setting both short and long-term goals for their recovery process, making sure the goals are reasonable, relevant and achievable
• Provide ways in which the person can take back control of their life by learning how to manage money, completing daily household chores as well as finding and keeping a job
• Assess the risk of the person falling into relapse and coming up with strategies to avoid it

The ultimate goal of occupational therapy during addiction recovery is to help the person rediscover meaning in their life.

This rediscovery of purpose is a crucial element to overcoming addiction and rebuilding both professional and personal relationships.

Occupational therapists help people become excited about the smaller, more meaningful things in life which is hugely beneficial for the person’s overall morale.

The Importance of Early Detection and Intervention

Due to the in-depth training received by occupational therapists, they are able to detect signs and symptoms of substance abuse during early stages.

Early intervention is absolutely paramount in ensuring a complete and sustainable recovery from substance abuse.

This is why occupational therapists play an extremely important role in the entire health care industry, including alcohol and drug rehabilitation.

Step Away Rehab Centre South Africa

Along with several other therapies, we include occupational therapy as part of our recovery treatment program. Contact us for more information.