What are your thoughts about inpatient treatment facilities, and what do you think could make the chances of staying in recovery better for clients after they have been discharged from inpatient care?
"I feel that inpatient facilities provide a great foundation for those suffering from addiction to begin recovery. It's important to remember, though, that living free from addiction is a daily battle that an addict must fight. Therefore, I truly feel that it is my job as a counselor to encourage clients to participate in after-care programs such as IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), personal counseling and family counseling. Any support that can be provided to a client to help reduce the triggers that he is subjected to is one more step toward us helping them live a life free of addiction."
"A former colleague of mine told me about your position. She was your lead LCSW the past 4 years before she moved to California 2 months ago."
Because of insurance restrictions, most inpatient rehabilitation facility stays are usually only 28-30 days. While there are options for counseling and continued care after discharge from these facilities, not everyone participates. This question gives you an opportunity to tell the interviewer things that you think are important in helping clients to establish a pattern that promotes recovery long after the client has been discharged from a treatment facility. Share your thoughts.
"I believe the care provided in inpatient facilities is crucial, especially during the initial detoxification process. These facilities offer medically supervised detox and symptom management. They are also introduced to counselors and social workers who begin to make care plans and preparations for discharge to a longer term therapy in an effort to promote sobriety among clients. While not everyone is willing to continue with outpatient therapy or private counseling, I do feel if a strong foundation of counseling and stress management can begin during the inpatient phase, many clients will opt for continued care. 30 days is a drop in the bucket with regard to the amount of time that it takes to truly become strong enough to fight addiction and any support that can be offered outside of the initial inpatient treatment is always a step toward a stronger client."
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Anonymous Answer
Setting realistic goals for the next hour, day, week, or year. I believe it's important in the first 1-2 years of recovery for people to keep busy. Some things clients can do to increase the odds of staying in recovery include: Get a job (maybe 2 jobs), starting an exercise routine, volunteering, consistently going to AA or NA meetings, establishing a new network of friends who are supportive, understanding and are a positive influence in your life.
Kevin's Feedback
Great response! The interviewer will be impressed by your knowledge and expertise in recovery. I assisted a bit with wording to ensure clarity.
Patients can increase their chances of recovery by setting realistic goals for the next hour, day, week, or year. I believe it’s essential in the first 1-2 years of recovery for people to keep busy. Some things clients can do to increase the odds of staying in recovery include: Getting a job, or possibly two jobs, starting an exercise routine, volunteering, consistently going to AA or NA meetings, and establishing a new network of friends who are supportive, understanding, and a positive influence in your life. It’s all about establishing more positive habits and patterns. Keeping busy with activities, especially positive rewarding behavior, holds great value.
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