LRA Basics
What does LRA stand for?
Less Restrictive Alternative
What does an LRA say about medications?
You must take all medications as prescribed.
What is the most common thing trigger that causes people to decline in their mental health (and potentially be hospitalized)?
Stress
-Family member (mom, dad, aunt, uncle, sibling, cousin, etc)
-Friend
-Sponsor
-Peer Bridger
-AFH Staff
-Mental Health Professional
-Doctor
-Coworker
What is the primary reason people are put on LRAs?
To provide follow up care, ensure a smooth transition into the community, and avoid rehospitalization.
True or False: If I am put on an LRA, I will be on it for the rest of my life.
False
Why is medication compliance important?
Name one thing you can do to maintain your safety and independence if another person is making you upset.
Possible Answers:
-Walk away
-Set a healthy boundary using respectful communication
-Inform the appropriate authority
-Utilize coping skills to calm yourself
Frontier Behavioral Health
What does it mean if an LRA is revoked (aka LRA revocation)?
The court will be notified, which may result in being hospitalized.
“Which of the following is a common condition of an LRA?”
A. Attend church weekly
B. Not make threats to harm self or others
C. Have a job
D. Avoid driving at night
Not make threats to harm self or others
What should you do if you miss a dose of a medication?
If you know a specific person, place, or situation commonly triggers you, what should you do?
Avoid that person, place, or situation.
What is the phone number for the crisis hotline that you can call if you need support?
988 or 1-877-266-1818.
Who should I talk to if I have concerns about an LRA while still in the hospital?
Your social worker.
Who decides if you get put on an LRA?
Ultimately, a commissioner (court) decides. It is likely that your treatment team would suggest one, which would lead to the court making the decision.
Who should you talk to if you have questions or concerns about your medications?
The person (doctor) who prescribes them to you. You can also talk to a nurse or pharmacist.
Name a situation where you may be put at risk of violating your LRA.
-A party where others are using substances
-Interacting with a person you really don't like or get along with.
-Last minute commitment or sickness causes you to not be able to go to an appointment
-Not agreeing with your treatment team's plan
-Going to someone's house you know has firearms
What is a Peer Bridger?
-An individual who works with a patient prior to discharge and continues working with them after discharge
-Peer Bridgers will be using their lived experience to provide support, guidance and hope
-Work with their peer to identify skills and assist with such in the community
-Help connect to resources and navigate systems
Who should I talk to if I have concerns about my LRA when I've already been discharged?
-The agency that monitors your LRA
-Outpatient Provider
-Other members of your treatment team
-Crisis Line
What happens if you break your LRA?
You're at risk of revocation (getting another ITA)
What might happen if you stop taking medications "cold turkey."
You may experience physical symptoms of withdrawal and you may experience symptoms that make others concerned you are "decompensating."
Name one warning sign someone may be struggling with their mental health.
-Mood swings
-Increased irritability, anxiety, depression, anger, etc.
-Isolation
-Change in eating/sleeping
-Not taking care of their hygiene
Why is it beneficial to have a support system?
-It means you are not alone
-You have people to reach out to if you need help
-Provides accountability
What should you do if you cannot attend a scheduled appointment?
Call to cancel (provide a reason) and reschedule.