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Communication Session 07

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Michael nyunja
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16 views

Communication Session 07

Uploaded by

Michael nyunja
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SESSION 07

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
IN INTERACTING WITH
DRUG ABUSERS AND
ALCOHOLICS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this session all students expected to be
able to;
•Define the term alcoholism and substance abuse
•Explain the concept of communicating with
alcoholics and substance abusers
•Explain challenges of communicating with
alcoholics and substance abusers
•Demonstrate communication skills to interact
with clients with alcohol and substance abuse
Alcoholism
• Is a chronic, progressive disease
characterized by an inability to control or
stop drinking despite negative consequences
to health, relationships, and other areas of
life.
Substance abuse
• Refers to the harmful or hazardous use of
psychoactive substances, including alcohol,
prescription drugs, and illicit drugs.
• It involves a pattern of excessive or
inappropriate use of these substances that
leads to negative consequences on an
individual’s physical health, mental well-
being, relationships, work, and daily
responsibilities.
Concept of communicating with
alcoholics and substance abusers
• Communicating with individuals struggling
with alcoholism or substance abuse requires
a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.
Many people facing addiction feel
misunderstood or judged, so building trust
is essential. Here are key principles and
strategies for effective communication:
Cont….
Empathy and Active Listening
Show genuine empathy and interest in
understanding their experiences without
interrupting or interjecting personal opinions.
Non-Judgmental Language
Use language that avoids blaming or shaming,
as individuals with addiction often already
feel guilty or stigmatized.
Cont….
Open-Ended Questions
Ask open-ended questions that allow them to
share more about their experiences and
feelings.
Set Boundaries Respectfully
Setting boundaries is crucial, especially if the
substance abuse has impacted your life directly.
Be clear about your limits in a respectful way
to avoid enabling harmful behaviors.
Cont….
Encourage Professional Help
Gently suggest that talking to a professional could
provide them with tools to manage their challenges.
This could be therapy, counseling, support groups, or
even medical

Stay Patient and Manage Expectations


Recovery is often not linear, and relapse can be a part of
the process. It’s important to stay patient and
supportive without expecting immediate or total
change.
Challenges of communicating with
alcoholics and substance abusers
• Denial and Resistance:
• Trust Issues:
• Mood Swings and Unpredictability
• Cognitive Impairment: Long-term
substance abuse can impair cognitive
functions, affecting memory, attention, and
comprehension.
• Shame and Guilt:
Cont….
• Manipulation and Evasion: Some
individuals might manipulate or evade the
conversation to avoid accountability, change
the subject, or try to gain sympathy, making
productive communication challenging.
• Impact of Intoxication: If they are under the
influence, they may have limited awareness
or control over their behavior, making
constructive communication nearly
impossible. Timing
Cont….
• Isolation and Lack of Social Skills:
Substance abuse often leads to isolation, so
individuals may lack social and
communication skills, which can lead to
misunderstandings or limited engagement.
• Emotional Sensitivity: They may be highly
sensitive to perceived criticism, which can
quickly derail a conversation.
Communication skills to interact with
clients with alcohol and substance
abuse
Active Listening
Showing Empathy
Using Non-Judgmental Language
Asking Open-Ended Questions
Reflective Listening
Motivational Interviewing Techniques
Setting Boundaries
Positive Reinforcement
Patience and Flexibility
Clarifying and Summarizing
THE END

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