Like my occupational therapy peers in similar services , the occupational perspective of addiction and dependency appears to be of particular value in understanding and supporting those who use services .”
Like my occupational therapy peers in similar services , the occupational perspective of addiction and dependency appears to be of particular value in understanding and supporting those who use services .”
I was invited to interview . I find myself engaging with the core concepts of our profession far more frequently than any other role I ’ ve held .
I have been afforded the opportunity to practise closer to the philosophy and principles that underly our profession , free from any pre-existing systems or expectations . I feel this is most clearly reflected in the understanding of the ‘ meaningful doing ’ behind individuals ’ use of alcohol and other drugs .
Taking the time to understand the nuances of individuals , substance use and how this might influence the level and perceived value of participation in different occupations ; how someone may organise their time in order to acquire and use substances ; how substance use may provide an occupational identity ( albeit a stigmatised one ) and a means to exert control over one ’ s life ( or self-medication ); and the influence on a sense of connection and belonging and the pervasive impacts of stigma on the social environment .
Like my occupational therapy peers in similar services , the occupational perspective of addiction and dependency appears to be of particular value in understanding and supporting those who use services .
It opens up new avenues to explore the wideranging occupational transitions that can come with recovery and new perspectives on relapse and what is meant when someone is deemed ‘ not motivated ’.
Service users of course have goals and aspirations beyond reducing or stopping their substance use . Many drug and alcohol services offer a variety of interventions . Occupational therapists can help bring these together in a natural environment , using skills in real time , with an overarching understanding of meaningful doing and life purpose , sometimes referred to as spirituality .
Looking ahead
While I haven ’ t consciously planned my career in any organised fashion , it feels good to bring my past skills and experience together while continually developing . After a year , I ’ m left trying to temper my impatience to pull together and share the initial outcomes , so I can shout about the value of occupational therapy in this setting .
While this remains a work in progress , I have found a clearer voice to advocate for my profession in this area and gain a greater level of satisfaction that has come from specialising and applying my expertise in practice ( RCOT 2021 ).
I ’ ll continue to talk to anyone who will listen about my role ( even if they didn ’ t ask !) and act as an ambassador for my profession . Having made it through the first year in this role and a very steep learning curve , I could not have done this without finding my allies and keeping my imposter syndrome in check .
Royal College of Occupational Therapist ( 2021 ) RCOT Career Development Framework . Guiding principles for occupational therapy . Second edition . Available at https :// bit . ly / 40Zgye9 [ accessed 4 May 2023 ].
Royal College of Occupational Therapists ( 2021 ) Professional standards for occupational therapy practice , conduct and ethics . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3LSmjov [ accessed 4 May 2023 ].
Welsh Government ( 2016 ) Prudent healthcare : Securing health and wellbeing for future generations . Available at https :// bit . ly / 427ggmI [ accessed 4 May 2023 ].
Words JON FISHER , Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist , Aneurin Bevan Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service , Jonathan . fisher2 @ wales . nhs . uk @ fisheraddiction
40 OTnews May 2023