Treatment approaches for oxycodone addiction

¶ … Group Design

Although Jeff does not see his drug use as his primary problem, it is in fact at the root of his other issues. The social worker will create a treatment plan that will help Jeff meet three goals: break dependency on oxycontin, get a job, and develop an physical exercise routine.

According to the treatment plan, Jeff will start working on his goals by beginning with individual counseling sessions. The social worker can use motivational interviewing (MI), a technique that can help Jeff understand that he has a drug problem. Once Jeff admits he has a drug problem and that it is causing his other issues, he can make the decision to undergo intervention by entering a detox center or undertake a treatment program. Jeff's goal of getting free of oxycontin is part of his long-term objective, which is to attain and maintain full and sustained recovery. Jeff will have better chance of success meeting his other goals, getting a job and starting to exercise, when he has addressed his addiction.

Jeff has several strengths that he can bring to his treatment program. First, he was motivated to come to therapy. Although unwilling to admit that drug abuse is the root cause of his trouble, Jeff recognized that he was not happy with his life and would probably need to make some changes. Jeff also had the strength and discipline to join the military. Finally, Jeff has a girlfriend. Although their relationship is troubled because of Jeff's drug use, the girlfriend is still in his life. Jeff's ability to maintain that relationship, at least on some level, is an advantage.

Sobriety could cure Jeff's insomnia. If not, and there are no medical reasons found for insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy could help. Jeff and his social worker could develop a routine, such as a hot shower and a half hour of listening to quiet music, which could "prime" Jeff for sleep. The exercise routine could also help by making Jeff physically tired. If Jeff slept better at night, he would not lie awake and perseverate on memories of his father.

Jeff's sobriety can also help him keep a job. By keeping busy with meaningful work, Jeff will have less time to think about getting high, and less time to perseverate on unhappy events of his childhood.

Jeff's success will be measured incrementally. The first success will be entering a treatment program or detox center. The next success will be attaining sobriety. The challenge will be in maintaining sobriety, but support systems can be put in place to give Jeff all possible help. Jeff's sleep problems, issues with unemployment, and troubled relationship with his girlfriend will likely improve when Jeff attains sobriety. Jeff's prognosis is good once he takes the first step of admitting his addiction to oxycontin. It is difficult to create a specific time line for recovery as it is an ongoing process. Once Jeff completes a detox program, he should seek continued support with a group such as Narcotics Anonymous. The group members will provide the positive reinforcement Jeff needs to find and keep a job and maintain the structure of his physical exercise regime.