Early InterventionEarly Interventions is about engaging with people who misuse drugs or may come into contact with users of illegal drugs; offering them information, advice and guidance about substances as well as preparing and motivating people, by using various intervention techniques such as motivational interviewing. This is designed to prepare and optimise any potential change to a client’s behaviour preceding a clinical intervention.
The early interventions program is based on The Cycle of Change (Prochaska and Di Clemente). This is a model that identifies the various stages people go through when attempting any changes.
Preparing to give up substances requires both psychological and practical coping strategies to be developed. A large part of Early Interventions is working with a client to explore and develop new individual ways of coping with all aspects of life.
Early Interventions is also about developing a support network and infrastructure for an individual who is experiencing a level of substance misuse problem. Support networks can involve friends, family and peers such as N.A. (Narcotics Anonymous), as well as other Tier 1 services1.
Early Interventions is delivered in a variety of ways and places to ensure that all clients feel comfortable and able to talk freely. Sessions are offered to clients as 1-1 sessions, couples and in group settings. These sessions are based around cognitive restructuring and other social issues.
Early Interventions also delivers training and specialised advice to Tier 1 services1 around substances and referral pathways.
1Models of Care NTA, London 2002.
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|