Substance abuse often acts as an exclusion criteria for CBT, but latest research is suggesting inclusion rather than exclusion. We analyse why, when and how.
Thank you for this! This really resonates. When I moved from working in drug and alcohol services into IAPT within the same area, it became quickly apparent that there was a lot of confusion and, sadly, a common misconception that substance use automatically meant someone was excluded from therapy. The nuance and context of someone’s coping strategies weren't routinely considered. Fortunately when I brought this up I was tasked with delivering training on the IAPT Positive Practice Guidance across both services, which created more awareness and created an opportunity to open up more conversations. I was ‘allowed’ to develop a care pathway between the two services - one that recognised substance use as part of someone’s broader story, rather than a barrier to receiving support.
That was a few year ago now but I’m always glad to see others increasing awareness of it - these conversations are so important for acknowledging our own fears, misconceptions, areas for development, bias etc and ultimately helping us support people more holistically and effectively.
Thank you for your comment Charlotte, that's so interesting to hear! Absolutely, substance abuse is just part of the story, and there's nuance to that. Did you find that when delivering the training therapists / services were receptive?
Thank you for this! This really resonates. When I moved from working in drug and alcohol services into IAPT within the same area, it became quickly apparent that there was a lot of confusion and, sadly, a common misconception that substance use automatically meant someone was excluded from therapy. The nuance and context of someone’s coping strategies weren't routinely considered. Fortunately when I brought this up I was tasked with delivering training on the IAPT Positive Practice Guidance across both services, which created more awareness and created an opportunity to open up more conversations. I was ‘allowed’ to develop a care pathway between the two services - one that recognised substance use as part of someone’s broader story, rather than a barrier to receiving support.
That was a few year ago now but I’m always glad to see others increasing awareness of it - these conversations are so important for acknowledging our own fears, misconceptions, areas for development, bias etc and ultimately helping us support people more holistically and effectively.
Thank you for your comment Charlotte, that's so interesting to hear! Absolutely, substance abuse is just part of the story, and there's nuance to that. Did you find that when delivering the training therapists / services were receptive?
Overall yes - I think once It helped when I spent some time with both 'sides' talking about what each service did and how it worked etc.