Program Basics
Job titles of the main staff members on your care team and their names
Counselor , Coordinator, Medical provider
(also accepted: office manager, recovery support person, doc, therapist)
Sharing or selling your buprenorphine to another person is considered this
-Illegal/ a crime
-Medication diversion
-Grounds for program discharge
This is the number of bags a member should take from the supply lockbox at one time
JUST ONE . Maybe two, if you are legit picking up for someone else .
Mixing buprenorphine with any amount of this substance greatly increases the risk of overdose, life- threatening health symptoms, and death
Alcohol
An everyday problem that everyone experiences at some point that can cause physical & mental health issues, negatively impact relationships, and in recovery populations, increases risk or relapse
Stress (also accepted: lack of sleep, poor nutrition)
These three things often need to change to support someone in recovery
People, places, things
Based on Groups' program policies, this is the frequency you are required and expected to submit a urine drug screen
WEEKLY
Examples of best practices to avoid pharmacy issues/ complications with prescription pickup after group
-Taking medication exactly as prescribed/ picking up on the usual schedule
-Attending HOME GROUP each week/submitting a screen on time
-Not changing pharmacies excessively/multiple times a month, etc.
Examples of inappropriate times to bring up non-urgent questions/ issues during group
-During attendance, SI poll, etc. at start of group
-During someone else's check in/ when another member is sharing something
-When my counselor/ coordinator/ medical provider is actively talking/ leading a group lesson
This class of medications is especially dangerous to mix with buprenorphine, unless prescribed and closely monitored by a medical provider
Benzodiazepines/ "benzos"
-Both are central nervous system depressants; they slow things down in the body, especially breathing, heart rate, level of consciousness
-BUP alone has a ceiling effect on respiratory depression, which is one reason its safer than full opioids
-Benzos (xanax, ativan, klonopin, valium, etc.) do not have that ceiling effect . When taken together can "remove the safety ceiling" of BUP and suppress breathing, cause extreme sedation & accidental overdose
This two-word skill is a primary component of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy that encourages you to accept reality as it is, even though it can be painful
Radical Acceptance
1. Radical means all the way, complete and total.
2. It is accepting in your mind, your heart, and your body.
3. It’s when you stop fighting reality, stop getting worked up because reality is not the way you want it, and let go of bitterness.
"It is what it is"
The difference between a trigger and a craving
A trigger is the activating event, and a craving is the urge that follows
A member's confirmatory is ...
A state mandated, REQUIRED, yearly UDS that is (ideally) completed in person and sent to a lab for more detailed results
Taking more medication than prescribed often results in ______ , but does not ______
1. Running out too soon/ withdrawal symptoms/ increased relapse risk/ concerns about misuse
2. Allow an early refill
The time frame each day that your care team is available to answer texts or calls
During business hours only - between 9am and 7pm EST , Monday to Thursday
Keeping your medication in the original container helps with this necessary program compliance request
Random pill counts/ medication count requests
The term for when you start feeling like the rules don't apply to you anymore- where a person believes they are exempt from social norms, policies, or accountability .
Entitlement
(also accepted: warning sign, relapse behavior)
An example of something you should do before going somewhere you feel could be triggering
Make a cope-ahead plan: how you will respond to the trigger in a way that positively supports you and your recovery
These are examples of ways that Groups members can receive UDS supplies, fentanyl tests, and alcohol test strips
1. Pick up from closest Groups office
2. Use the lock box if after hours
3. If more than 50 miles from an office, supplies are mailed
This is what happens if you wait several days to pick up your prescription after it's sent in by the provider
Your next refill is still based on when you actually picked up your prescription (due to federal controlled substance regulations) and can set you off-track the usual pick up schedule
When someone is sharing something personal or emotional during group, this is something you should NOT do unless you are asked
-Give advice or judgement
-Share your own personal story/ make it about you instead
-Give any unsolicited opinion about it at all unless it is brief and kind/supportive of the person sharing
Reasons why having your camera on, staying in the frame, and being present/ engaged throughout group is required
-to verify your safety/ identity
-to ensure the privacy of others
-to promote maximum treatment benefits for everyone in group by reducing distractions
When negative emotions feel overwhelming, including cravings/urges, this DBT strategy can help you get through the moment without making it worse
Distress tolerance
-A.C.C.E.P.T.S. (distraction)
-Urge Surfing (mindfulness for cravings)
-S.T.O.P. (to prevent impulsivity)
________ is the term for when you start avoiding the people and things that support your recovery , and ________ is 1 way to help yourself if you realize this is happening .
1. Isolating (Warning sign / relapse behavior, Withdrawing from others)
2. Reach out to supportive friends/ family, attend recovery meetings, make a therapy appointment, etc. (Small ways to re-engage with the world)
The cut-off time after group begins that attendance is submitted, and additional members will not be admitted into group
TEN MINUTES AFTER GROUP START TIME
Pharmacies and prescribers track this to determine when you are allowed to pick up medication again
Amount of medication left from last pickup date
Repeatedly calling or texting staff outside of business hours and/or without allowing at least 24 hours response time is considered ...
-A complete lack of respect for boundaries and other people's time
-Rude/ inconsiderate
- Indicator of needing a firm reminder of communication policies
Making sure that these 4 things are up to date/ accurate promote consistency, communication, and compliance in your treatment
1. A WORKING PHONE NUMBER THAT IS YOURS with a voicemail greeting that says your name
2. Mailing address and/or residential address
3. Email address
4. Groups app
_______ is when you feel bad for something you did ; can be motivating towards resolution .
_______ is when you feel bad for something you are ; can limit personal growth .
1. Guilt
2. Shame
A feeling that can be surprisingly triggering in recovery , because it can feel so unfamiliar
Happiness/ feeling good/ contentment / stability