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During the initial and subsequent interviews caregivers should remember
the following:
___1.) CONDUCT INTERVIEWS IN A
SAFE ENVIRONMENT. If the
caregiver is a professional or church leader ideally interviews with the
substance abuser and his/her family members should be held in the caregiver's
office. If a office site is not available, choose an alternative location away
from the substance abuser's residence if possible.
___2.) ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A SPIRITUAL ATMOSPHERE. Most treatment
providers and all 12-Step Support Groups, identify spirituality as a key factor
in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction. Caregivers should encourage
prayers to be said during each interview and encourage the substance abuser and
his/her surrounding family members to increase his/her reliance on a "higher
power." Be positive and hopeful in your interactions.
___3.) SET A
REGULAR VISITING SCHEDULE. Set a reasonable but
time-sensitive schedule for ongoing future visits, perhaps once a week. On-going
follow up with both the substance abuser and his/her family members is an
essential part of recovery from addiction.
___4.) EXPLORE RELATED FACTORS. Often
addiction does not "just happen" but is related to other factors such as abuse,
low self-esteem, poor coping skills or something else. During the interviews
explore with the individual concerned and family members about other related
factors likely requiring assistance. If possible, attempt to resolve these
related factors.
___5.) MAKE ASSIGNMENTS AND FOLLOW-UP. Attempt to give the
substance abuser and his immediate family members assignments such as reading
selected materials, attending support groups and making behavioral changes.
Follow-up with and discuss the various assignments during the interviewing
process. Be
sure to include spiritual goals.
___6.) IF ABUSE IS SUGGESTED NOTIFY THE
PROPER AUTHORITIES. It is illegal
and unethical to be aware of physical and/or sexual abuse and not report it to
the proper authorities. Caregivers should also monitor possible mental abuse.
For caregivers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints they can call
1-800-453-3860, extension 2-1911.
___7.) BE PATIENT. Caregivers should be patient and
continue in encouraging and supporting the substance abuser and his/her family.
On-going confrontation of inappropriate behavior is an essential part of the
interviewing process. It is not unusual for the interviews to continue
for several months. Even if the substance abuser becomes involved with professional counseling,
caregivers should maintain contact with the substance abuser and his/her family.
___8.) LET THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISBEHAVIOR HAPPEN. Caregivers should
not enable or rescue the substance abuser from the consequences of his/her
behavior. Giving the substance abuser money for example can reinforce the
substance abuser's denial and send him/her deeper into the addiction cycle.
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