Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)
As an occupational therapist working in private practice, I have been involved with many clients who have substance abuse issues sometimes before, but more so often after injury or trauma. Sometimes these substances were prescribed and become misused, and sometimes clients turn to substances to cope with their new life circumstance. Either way, it is essential that the OT role include understanding, assessing and treating the whole person while recognizing the role addiction can play in influencing a recovery path and overall function.
Released in 2016, the book Licit, Illicit, Prescribed by Dr. Niki Kiepek is an all-in-one resource to help Occupational Therapists to advance their foundational knowledge and practices skills when working with clients who have problems with substance abuse.
This book is so thorough at addressing the very complicated clinical facets of substance use and abuse that it could very readily become a textbook for OT’s in their schooling, job-training, and ongoing clinical work. It starts by providing the important background into the occupational perspective on substance abuse and links this to the models of human occupation and engagement that are the essential backbone of our profession. It then moves to really define addiction and the many factors that influence this and how it fits with models of health and behavior. After a very detailed look at psychoactive substances and their pharmacological properties, and the concept of harm reduction, it dives deep into Occupational Therapy Assessment and Intervention. Complete with clinical scenarios, examples and direct techniques, any OT reading this book will be able to elevate their practice and work with clients who use substances – licit, illicit or prescribed.