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The Contribution of Occupational Therapy to Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation: A Descriptive Review
Author(s) -
Clarey Lynda,
Felstead Boyce
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
australian occupational therapy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1630
pISSN - 0045-0766
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1630.1990.tb01240.x
Subject(s) - occupational therapy , competence (human resources) , psychosocial , multidisciplinary approach , rehabilitation , psychological intervention , psychology , context (archaeology) , addiction , life skills , psychotherapist , medicine , clinical psychology , psychiatry , medical education , social psychology , social science , paleontology , neuroscience , sociology , biology
Occupational therapists work as members of multidisciplinary teams in the assessment and treatment of people experiencing alcohol and drug related difficulties. In the context of “team” treatment, the role of the occupational therapist often appears unclear. Although there is a paucity of available literature regarding occupational therapy roles and functions in this field, the importance of activity based interventions to promote the development of living skills and for facilitating lifestyle changes is well documented. Occupational therapists employed at Pleasant View Centre, Victoria, aim to assist people with addiction problems in reducing or abstaining from drug use within a psychosocial framework. They assist clients in both the detoxification and rehabilitation phases of treatment and provide appropriate follow‐up and support. Occupational therapists contribute both their group and individual counselling skills and, in addition, provide a unique focus on maximsising self‐efficacy and competence to perform life skills. They provide activity based programmes which enhance existing skills and the acquisition of new skills. The complex nature of addiction requires a diverse range of orientations and skills to which the occupational therapist contributes a philosophy and practice of learning skills for living through “doing” and activity.