Choice Theory with Addicted Populations

This book provides techniques, directives, ideas, and explanations on working with an addicted person whether their drug of choice is alcohol, street drugs, or prescriptions. Mike Rice applies Choice Theory, the new Reality Therapy, to the problem of substance abuse which consciously includes the client in creating their own customized treatment plan. As is the case for any change in behavior, when the client is involved in recognizing what needs to change, there is a much greater chance that the commitments will stick. The major difference in the approach Mike uses is to focus on his client's unhappiness. Clients began self-medicating with alcohol/drugs because of unsatisfying relationships with the important people in their life. Their drugged behavior, that eventually leads to biochemical dependencies, are actually making their relationships worse while believing they are making them better. The majority of other treatment programs will avow that the person relies on drugs or alcohol because of things that happened to them in their past and that the clients all have "unresolved issues." Mike’s approach, based on Dr. William Glasser’s Choice Theory, is that all long term unhappiness is the result of unsatisfying relationships that are occurring right now . . . in the present. Clients evaluate their own progress and choose their own methods to meet their basic needs satisfaction. Because clients do not feel coerced or mandated to change their ways, clients will be less resistant and make more conscientious efforts to acquire happiness and resolve conflict with others.