Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work with some individuals who have faced their addictions and have established abstinence and recovery. One person in particular has also had the added challenge of being diagnosed with cancer. This diagnosis created some added concerns to the newly established recovery.
The client not only had to remain cognizant of the daily triggers and urges to use/not use narcotics, but she also had to make a viable plan with her oncologist for treatment and pain management that would not become added fuel to her addiction.
There were a couple of additional factors to consider. As a result of her addiction, she had not quite repaired the relationships with her family members, so she did not have those support resources that some people have when dealing with cancer, and she also still had to submit to random drug screens to verify her abstinence. Following is a brief outline of some of the issues addressed.
We made a plan beginning with open communication. From there we developed a written daily plan that served as a basic daily schedule of doctor and treatment appointments, meal times, self-care time, recovery groups, and even included wake up and bed times. The plan also addressed a “support team.” Every person in recovery needs a support network but it was important to take it a step further. Keeping in mind the feelings and reactions to daily triggers and how the chemotherapy could intensify these feelings, call times and support people at her home following the treatments were established. We also set-up her drug screen tests to separate out the prescribed medications from any illicit substances to verify her continued recovery from the addiction while also addressing her pain management.
There were many difficult days, days where she felt like giving up and using the cancer as an excuse to relapse but she didn’t. She stayed with the plan, her supports helped her on a daily basis and she challenged all of the negative thoughts, replacing them with messages of strength and hope.
Recovery is possible even in the most difficult of circumstances with thoughtful planning and determination. I am pleased to say this client maintained her recovery from narcotics and is in remission from cancer. A survivor for sure! If you need help, for addiction, mental health or dealing with medical diagnoses reach out to local service providers.
By Victoria Wells-Manlandro, LCSW, LCADC, BCETS
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
