title: Psychotherapeutic intervention with the addict-client.
abstract: In order for the nurse therapist to be most effective with the narcotic-addicted client, she should be aware that his behavioral style many times reflects dependence, low self-esteem, and impaired reality testing. The major defense mechanisms used by the client are denial, projection, and manipulation. An attitude of hopeful expectancy on the part of the nurse is most important therapeutically in the treatment of the addict. Some therapeutic interpersonal interventions between the nurse and client are contracting, goal-setting, limit-setting, and the sharing of the responsibility for growth between the client and the nurse. The total treatment program for the client must also be scrutinized, and more than physiologic detoxification and one-to-one therapy must be provided in order for the client to have the maximum opportunity for change.
mesh_terms: D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011385:Projection; D011613:Psychotherapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000451:nursing*