STEP 4: Dealing with Lack of Progress

The caregiver should ask the user how he/she feels about the lack of progress. As necessary, review specific examples of the user’s failure to follow the recovery plan. Evaluate the user’s response to the confrontation. If the user is receptive and motivated to complete the plan, continue following the recovery plan. If the individual continues to use alcohol or drugs select an appropriate intervention.

There are four alternatives for caregivers to consider. They are: consult with clergy; conduct a family support group intervention; consult with professionals; and refer to a professional. Those helping should prayerfully select the appropriate combination of interventions.

Consult with clergy. When the caregiver is not clergy, the caregiver should refer the user to clergy for assistance in holding the user accountable and directing the user in the repentance process. Maintain strict confidentiality. When clergy are involved in helping the user, they should consider consulting with supervisory clergy about successful practices in dealing with alcohol and drug use. Churches have a variety of actions that may be undertaken to help correct an individual’s behavior patterns. Clergy may feel the need to review possible corrective action with their supervising clergy.

Conduct a family support group intervention. A family support group intervention brings together the user, the caregiver, the family, clergy and other members of the support group, to confront the user about his/her behavior. The purpose of the intervention is to give the user an ultimatum to stop using alcohol and drugs and engaging in illegal behavior. A caregiver can act as the facilitator. In some areas professionals with similar religious values may be available to act as the facilitator.

The following are guidelines to help conduct a family support group intervention.

Do not wait for the user to "bottom out" or get arrested. Alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems can be overcome.

Consult with professionals. When the decision has been made to consult a professional, carefully seek a licensed professional who has the same religious values and basic spiritual beliefs. To locate this type of therapist use the table entitled Professional Resources. There are many types of professionals, including: psychiatrists, professional counselors, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses and pastoral counselors. Most states regulate the practice of therapy. Everyone who provides a mental health service should be licensed.

PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES

Refer to a professional. Refer to the best available therapist when the user needs or seeks assistance beyond what the caregiver is qualified to give. Maintain contact with the user and the family even when professional services are used. When the user’s problem is made worse by a mental illness or some other serious condition, referring to carefully selected professionals is necessary.

A user is not always motivated to change and may require more time or unwanted consequences to develop motivation. Those helping may need to decrease their involvement because of the user’s lack of effort. Clearly summarize the user’s lack of progress with the user and with his/her family. Inform the user, the family, and the clergy that the caregiver’s involvement will decrease.

Direct the user and his/her family to rely on members of their family and community support groups and other outside resources such as professionals. Encourage the user and his/her family to make contact with the caregiver as motivation to work on the recovery plan increases. After your involvement has decreased, continue periodic contact offering to help when he/she demonstrate readiness to change.