Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam CK(1), Louie TM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
Introduction :
Metacognition is involved in the cessation, perpetuation and modification of thinking, which encompasses the dysfunctional thinking that maintains psychological disorder. In the domain of addictive behaviors, Spada and Wells (2009) and Spada, Caselli, and Wells (2013) have applied the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model under Metacognitive Therapy (MCT). Within S-REF model, a review of the research evidence indicates that the central features of the S-REF model; Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS) configurations and metacognitive beliefs, are present in addictive behavior. CAS influences deliberate volition and the self-regulation system which plays a core role in restraining or maintaining the addictive behaviors. In addition, aspects of attentional biases in CAS plays a key role in developing and maintaining (1) addictive behavior; (2) risk of relapse; and (3) a strong and perseverative experience of craving. Clients with substance abuse would tend to have poor self-efficacy to quit the vicious cycle of the addictive behavior. Hence, treatment targeting CAS removal is beneficial to substance abusers for ceasing addictive behaviors.
Objectives :
A 6-sessions based “Metacognitive-Focused Occupational Therapy” (MFOT) treatment program was designed to incorporate the core techniques of MCT into process of Occupational Life Style Re-design targeting the life role reforming and functional enhancement in core life domains. The aim of the program is to provide continuity of rehabilitation services which help clients discontinue the substance abuse behaviour and reintegrate into society.
Methodology :
The distinct feature of the program is that it enhances the participants’ self-regulatory executive function to resist craving by adopting the most updated theory of psychotherapy (MCT). None of other substance abuse (SA) program has treatment that targets the metacognitive factors underlying client’s addictive behaviours. Participants are expected to decrease their frequency of drug use, improves the self-efficacy to avoid drug use and enhances the occupational life functioning. The program has been successfully approved for the grant of Beat Drugs Fund Exercise 2016 from Narcotics Division, Security Bureau.
Result & Outcome :
The temporary result was encouraging that over 60% of the participants who completed the program showed a reduced frequency of drug misuse and improved life-functioning level. This article aims to demonstrate the case formulation, treatment process and efficacy from MFOT program through an illustration with a substance abuse case study “Mr. H”.
Co-location with:
