It comes to your attention that they are drinking more or using more drugs than before (or using more intense drugs). You might notice the change on an assessment, by self-report, an informant’s report, or ‘tell-tale’ signs.
When it is an ongoing issue, alcohol or substance dependence is a risk factor, elevating the potential for suicide.
(For simplicity I’m going to say “drinking” but I mean any alcohol or non-prescription drug use).
This is different. It could be a warning sign when someone suddenly starts drinking more. Here are a few ideas you might explore after the peak of the crisis has passed.
Did they drink alone or with others? You might particularly note if the behavior was consistent with how they usually are or if it was ‘out of character.’ Are they an extrovert who started drinking alone? Are they an introvert who started drinking with others?
Was the alcohol easy to access or was it sought out? If it was easy, then maybe it was more of an impulse and identifying an easily-accessible alternative might be enough. If it was sought out, then further exploration might be warranted. You might want to find out if the alcohol was for numbing or if it was intended to be part of a suicide method.
Some of the most insightful follow-up questions could center around the pain points that the drinking was intended to vanquish. What was in mind just before the inclination to drink? What was in mind right when they took that first drink?
Revisiting the excruciating thoughts, feelings, or images within a supportive therapeutic context could help address core issues that were previously hidden away.
I would love to learn from your experience too. What recovery insights have you encountered or discovered in talking with clients after noticing changes in drinking or drug use?
I would love to learn from your experience too. What recovery insights have you encountered or discovered in talking with clients after noticing changes in drinking or drug use?