Restoring Meaningful Occupations: A Case of Recovery from Substance Use through OT Intervention: Occupational Therapy in Substance Use Recovery

Iqra Nadeem; Samina Hussain

Authors

Iqra Nadeem SensoryCare by SAM THE OT
Samina Hussain Nighdasht, Karachi, Pakistan

Keywords:

Substance Use Disorder, Occupational Therapy, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, ICF Model, Vocational Training

Abstract

Background: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) among women is a complex health crisis, with comorbidity and socio-cultural pressures usually worsening the situation, especially in low-resource countries such as Pakistan. A possible avenue of holistic rehabilitation is with the assistance of occupational therapy (OT), with its emphasis on meaningful engagement.

Methods: The case study participant is a 24-year-old female with a history of polysubstance dependence, comorbid psychosis, asthma, and severe occupational dysfunction who underwent a three-month client-focused OT intervention. The assessment and intervention were guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and were characterized by vocational training (hairstyling), relapse prevention strategies, parenting role rehabilitation, and usual management.

Results: After the intervention, the client demonstrated significant improvement in the independence of the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), lack of cravings, and emotional regulation. The level of vocational skills was 80%. It was observed that much had improved in the re-establishment of an emotional relationship with her daughter. Treatment of the sleep-wake cycle resulted in fewer hallucinations reported and a stabilized sleep-wake cycle.

Conclusion: The case discussed shows that a multidimensional, occupation-based OT intervention can be successfully used in the treatment of patients with SUD and comorbidities. It emphasizes the importance of reinstating meaningful roles and routines in the context of recovery and reintegration of individuals with the community in the context of cultural specificity.

Author Biographies

Iqra Nadeem, SensoryCare by SAM THE OT

Occupational Therapist

Samina Hussain, Nighdasht, Karachi, Pakistan

Online Supervisor

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