Sample interview questions: How do you address challenging behavior in individuals who have a history of substance use or addiction?
Sample answer:
Strategies for Addressing Challenging Behavior in Individuals with Substance Use History:
1. Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis:
- Conduct a thorough behavioral assessment to identify triggers, antecedents, and consequences maintaining the challenging behavior.
- Rule out underlying medical or psychiatric conditions that may contribute to the behavior.
- Consider cultural factors and social determinants of health that may influence behavior.
2. Motivational Interviewing:
- Engage the individual in discussions about their goals and values related to behavior change.
- Explore their ambivalence and motivation for addressing the challenging behavior.
- Set realistic and attainable goals in collaboration with the individual.
3. Functional Analysis:
- Identify the specific functions or purposes the challenging behavior serves for the individual (e.g., attention, avoidance, self-regulation).
- Develop interventions to provide alternative, healthier ways to meet these functions.
4. Contingency Management:
- Implement a system of rewards and consequences to reinforce appropriate behavior and discourage challenging behavior.
- Ensure that rewards are meaningful and contingent on specific behaviors.
- Use positive reinforcement strategies to promote desired behaviors, such as social skills training or vocational rehabilitation.
5. Psychoeducation and Skill Development:
- Provide education on substance use, addiction, and relapse prevention.
- Teach coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and relapse prevention strategies.
- Facilitate support groups to foster peer s… Read full answer