Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

Substance abuse, particularly opioid abuse, has become a severe problem in America. Users typically become exposed to opioids initially for pain management, which can lead to addiction if not tapered off over time. By addressing pain management using nonopioid measures, the likelihood that individuals will get addicted and abuse this substance decreases. Occupational therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing pain management for clients, and occupational therapy interventions have also been effective in substance abuse treatment. This project reviewed evidence-based practice to evaluate different approaches to pain management to help individuals become independent in self-managing their pain, thereby decreasing the chances of opioid abuse. These approaches to pain management were presented to a local community opioid taskforce to enhance a prevention program for opioid abuse. The objectives of this study were to provide education and resources to support the prevention of substance abuse to the taskforce and assist in the development of group occupation-based programs to support continued abstinence from substance abuse. To meet these objectives, members of the taskforce participated in a presentation to highlight features of a pain self-management program and completed surveys before and after the presentation. The group was also provided with three group protocols that could be used with community participants to address self-management of pain. The presentation defined the role of occupational therapy and pain management in substance abuse and prevention, and afterwards task members indicated value in the information and increased likeliness in recommending this type of program for substance abuse prevention.

Publication Date

2017

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