Coping for Recovery: A Group Education Program for Men with Substance Use Disorders

Alexa Marshall and Jen Trinh

Significance
Population at large: The United States is currently experiencing a public health crisis related to the use of
substances such as alcohol, illegal drugs, and /or prescribed medications in ways that are harmful not only to
the user but to the community as a whole. One in seven people are projected to develop a substance use
disorder at some point in their lifetime according to a recent report published by the Surgeon General on
alcohol, drugs, and health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2016). The term
“substance” is typically defined as any psychoactive compound with the potential to cause detrimental physical
and social problems and consists of the following seven classifications: nicotine, alcohol, cannabinoids,
opioids, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens (McLellan, 2017). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM-5) characterizes “substance use disorder” as a pattern of using drugs and/or alcohol
in a way that impacts a person’s participation in everyday life and causes noticeable distress (American
Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). While 21 million people have a medically diagnosed substance use
disorder, only 1 in 10 have received treatment (HHS, 2016). Financially, substance misuse and substance use
disorders are estimated to cost the U.S. $442 billion every year due to health care and criminal justice costs
and lost productivity (HHS, 2016). The effects of substance use are not only a financial burden; they are a
threat to human life. From 1999 to 2017, more than 702,000 people in the United States have died from a drug
overdose, and that number continues to increase daily (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC],
2017).
The Coping for Recovery program will specifically address men with substance use disorders.
Men are more likely than women to engage in the use of most illegal drugs. They also experience greater
emergency department visits and overdose deaths as a result of their drug use (Meschede, 2010; National
Institute on Drug Abuse [NIH], 2018). Furthermore, research indicates that men with substance use disorders
have experienced the following barriers to recovery: negative prior service (healthcare providers, case
management, rehabilitation centers etc.) experiences, lack of eligibility for community services and job
opportunities, unaddressed mental health needs, limited healthcare coverage, and higher rates of recidivism
(Hoxmark, Wynn, & Wynn, 2012; Meschede, 2010). Men with substance use disorders are also more
susceptible to homelessness (Gabrielian et al., 2015; Holloway, 2018). The few studies that have been done to
assess the factors that contribute to homelessness found that men who have both mental health conditions
and substance use disorders are more likely to have increased difficulty finding and keeping housing (Padgett,
Smith, Henwood, & Tiderington, 2012). Additionally, Boden et al. (2011) found that 35% to 50% of individuals
diagnosed with PTSD also meet the criteria for substance use disorders. With that being said, those who have
co-occurring symptoms of substance abuse and PTSD are more likely to participate in substances that are
more harmful, resulting in poorer treatment outcomes than do individuals with PTSD or substance abuse
disorders alone (Boden et al., 2011). Therefore, in order to successfully treat this vulnerable population, the
Coping for Recovery program will be mindful of these various co-occurring factors that often complicates
treating individuals with substance use disorders. Collectively, the cyclical nature of addiction coupled with the
many negative social determinants of health, have the power to affect a person’s quality of life and
engagement in a variety of occupations.
Occupation is defined as any activity that fulfills our time (Scaffa & Reitz, 2014). Occupations are
central to our identity and add a sense of meaning and purpose to our lives (Scaffa & Reitz, 2014). For people
with substance use disorders, their primary occupation becomes “using”, and engagement in non-using related
occupations often become non-existent (Scaffa & Reitz, 2014). Heretohelp (2019) mental health and
substance resource suggests, “if using alcohol or drugs becomes more important than a person’s work, health,
and relationships, it would logically follow that they might lose these important social and economic supports in
their lives.” This leads to alienation from society and deprivation from meaningful activities. Additionally,
persons with substance use problems frequently demonstrate dysfunction in habits, routines, and role
performance, which affects their daily occupations (Scaffa & Reitz, 2014). Occupational therapists play a
key role in training individuals with substance use disorders to re-engage and explore new daily
occupations and gain coping skills (Hoxmark et al., 2012). Teaching individuals how to use coping skills to
address the daily stressors of life is critical to overcoming addiction (Litt, Kadden, & Kabela-Cormier, 2009).
Existing Programs: Evidenced-based treatment to combat substance use disorder, Medication Assisted
Treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and recovery support services (RSS) have all been proven to be
effective in overcoming addiction and are recognized by the Surgeon General and other researchers to be the
gold-standards of recovery treatment (Fisher & Harrison, 2013; HHS, 2016; Sipple, Weiss, Ramsey, Drymon, &
Patterson, 2015; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2013). Specific
interventions include the following: meditation, physical activity, and the 12-step program. Research indicates
that meditation encourages clients to be in the present moment, promotes positive cognitive changes, helps
with emotional regulation, eases the mind and body through relaxation techniques, and encourages clients to
have nonjudgmental attitudes towards their addictive behaviors (Bowen et al., 2014; Li, Howard, Garland,
McGovern, & Lazar, 2017; Montero, 2017). Significant amounts of research have shown the importance of
incorporating mindfulness-based practice for people with substance use disorders to prevent recurring relapse
episodes (Bayles, 2014; Bowen et al., 2014; Chiesa & Serretti, 2014; Li et al., 2017; Montero, 2017).
Meditation allows clients to be in the present moment, it promotes positive cognitive changes, helps with
emotional regulation, ease the mind and body via relaxation techniques, and allows client’s to have
nonjudgmental attitudes towards their addictive behaviors (Bowen et al., 2014; Li et al., 2017; Montero, 2017).
Therefore, it is essential for occupational therapists to implement holistic approaches when developing
treatment plans. Interventions proven to successfully treat those with addiction include mindfulness
approaches, art therapy, and physical activity in combination with traditional substance programs. However,
existing treatment were done individually and not collectively as a single inclusive program (Adedoyin, Burns,
Jackson, & Franklin, 2014; Bayles, 2014; Bowen et al., 2014; Hoxmark et al., 2012; Sullens, 2012). Whereas,
Coping for Recovery aims to deliver an all-inclusive group education program for men with substance use
disorders to increase engagement in meaningful activities, such as mindfulness approaches, physical activity,
and the skills needed to live independently.
Gaps in Services: The substance use epidemic has also impacted the state of Utah. Rothermel (2019)
indicated that Utah is the 5th highest state in the nation for prescription drug overdose deaths. The majority of
substance use treatment services attended by high-risk individuals occur at detoxification centers (Meschede,
2010). Utah’s Volunteers of America (VOA) Men’s Adult Detoxification Center offers an 83 bed, detoxification
center for men 18 years and older with substance use disorders in need of detoxification and withdrawal
management services. Clients can stay for up to 14 days and have access to MAT, Seeking Safety groups,
peer support groups, 12- step meetings, and case management services (Volunteers of America [VOA], 2019).
However, there is a severe lack of opportunity to engage in exploration of leisure activities. Research indicates
that deprivation in daily activities negatively impacts the health and overall well-being of substance users
(Hoxmark et al., 2012; Scaffa & Reitz, 2014). A needs assessment conducted on 19 clients at the VOA
revealed that access to resources, opportunities for meaningful engagement, physical activity,
independent living skills, and housing/transportation were lacking within this population. While
traditional programs related to MAT, behavioral therapies, and RSS have proven to be effective, there is still a
need to address participation in meaningful activities (Hoxmark et al., 2012).
Proposed Program and Expected Outcomes: In an effort to fill in the gap for services offered to the
population at the VOA Utah’s Men’s Adult Detoxification Center, The Coping for Recovery program was
developed. Coping for Recovery’s mission is to deliver a sustainable program that focuses on
educating clients on how to use coping strategies to replace the activity of “using” with other
meaningful activities, such as physical activity, mindfulness strategies, and the skills required to live
independently. In turn, this builds a toolbox of various coping skills that can be implemented into daily life and
improve health outcomes. It is our hope that clients will feel empowered to play an active role in their recovery
and build positive habits and routines outside of their addiction.
Theoretical Application: The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and the Self Efficacy Theory drive our
program. The Model of Human Occupation proposes that a participant must have a sense of their own
personal capacity and self-efficacy in order to effectively participate in daily activities that are not centered on
substance use. Internalized roles also influence the kinds of things that a person occupies their time with,
which in turn affects daily routines and patterns of living (Kielhofner, 2008). Instructors and clients are
encouraged to create a trauma-free environment that encourages active participation in arts & crafts,
mindfulness, meditation, and life skills. The driving factor of the program is for instructors to focus on creating a
client-centered approach that incorporates values and interests in hopes of replacing a participant’s occupation
of substance use with other means of occupation (volition) that provide a “sense of ability, control, satisfaction,
and fulfillment” (Kielhofner, 2008).
Using the Self Efficacy Theory, instructors model the desired skill (meaningful activity, meditation and
independent life skills) for participants at the “just right” challenge (vicarious experience). Instructors use similar
tasks to gradually improve the level of mastery and success that client’s experience (performance
accomplishments). Group members and instructors will support one another during group sessions (verbal
persuasion) in an effort to overcome substance use and attain sobriety. Instructors will assess the level of
emotional arousal and provide verbal affirmation in order to “influence self-efficacy judgments with respect to
specific tasks” (Betz & Schifano, 2000).
The Coping for Recovery program will use facilitated group discussion along with activity-based
interventions to allow clients to
explore different coping strategies
to improve self-management
including physical activity, mindful-
based approaches and
independent living skills to improve
mental health, withdrawal
symptoms, and overall health and
well-being. The program also aligns
with the primary goal of Healthy
People 2020’s vision to “reduce
substance abuse to protect the
health, safety, and quality of life for
all (Office of Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion [ODPHP],
2014). Occupational therapists
have the opportunity to prevent
substance-related issues and
stop further escalation of the
addiction cycle, which is a key mission statement of the Surgeon General’s report (HHS, 2016). Our client-
centered approach has the potential to reduce the number of people battling with addiction and can potentially
improve the health and well-being of Americans.
Innovation
Contrary to most programs that have a structured curriculum to combat substance use, the focus of our
program is not necessarily on overcoming substance use. Rather, Coping for Recovery is a holistic program
focused on exploring new hobbies and developing more positive roles, habits and routines to implement into
daily life and initiate the process of sobriety. Research indicates that grief associated with the loss of everyday
activities can negatively impact the health and well-being of individuals with mental health and substance use
disorders if the void is not replaced by other positive activities (Hoxmark et al., 2010). In fact, poor well-being is
considered a major risk factor for the development of substance use disorders (Hoxmark et al., 2010). Our
program is innovative because it encourages
participants to explore different avenues of
activities as a way to cope with substance use.
We developed a holistic curriculum that
incorporates therapeutic art, mindfulness and
meditation, and life skills education into one
encompassing outlet for recovery.
Approach
Needs Assessment: The clients at the VOA
have a variety of public health needs that are
not yet being addressed. Of those who attend
groups, 47% identified that physical fitness
classes were not offered; 23% felt that their
personal needs were not being addressed, and
20% agreed that the facility failed to offer
classes that address their social needs. The
residents associated personal needs with self-regulation, housing, transportation and vocational opportunities,
anxiety, mental health and the various symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder. With this
information, we can explore ways to incorporate more of these aspects of client needs into our program
development, such as a lack in physical fitness, leisure activities and housing opportunities. The majority of
clients requested to have activity groups that are focused on life skills, arts & crafts, and
mindfulness/meditation. Many of the clients described their daily routine at the VOA as “boring” and feel that
the process of detoxification would be easier if they had more resources available to be productive during their
free time (See Attached Appendix A).
Programming Needs at the VOA Adult Detox Center: The majority of clients would like to seek treatment.
Also, the cyclical nature of addiction is further exacerbated by the lack of housing resources available to the
homeless population. Many residents expressed that no matter what; they are “stuck” on the streets. A history
of drug related charges and a lack of permanent addresses affects their ability to apply for jobs and/or
housing. Without a job or housing, they end up in environments that are triggering to their addiction and the
cycle of addiction continues to thrive. There is a need for increased access to substance use treatment and
second chance housing programs to provide clients with a greater opportunity to achieve physical, emotional,
psychological, and financial success.
Program Details: The Coping for Recovery program consists of a 10-month program focused on education
and exploration of interests and leisure activities. The program will be held twice a week for 60-minute
sessions at the VOA’s Men’s Adult Detox Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The program will be lead by one
certified peer support specialist and one staff member, alongside the guidance of an OT. The OT will
collaborate with staff to create weekly lesson plans that are evidence-based and client-centered, in addition to
consulting with staff once a month. Each week’s topic will focus on coping skills training involving the following:
teaching mindfulness techniques, meditation strategies, alternate coping behaviors, physical activity, and the
skills needed to live independently. The primary living skills that will be addressed are: community access,
financial management, and job seeking skills. While the program will be offered for a 10 month timespan, 1
month prior to the start date will be spent creating a lesson plan and training the staff. Training will be held 2
times a week for 60-minutes. Following the end of the program, 1 month will be spent evaluating and making
improvements for the following year’s program. Program evaluation will be held 2 times a week for 60-
minutes.
Further Details:
● Recruitment: Case management and staff members will recruit participants to attend
groups. Participants will be incentivized to attend by being rewarded to go on walks
outside. Flyers will be passed out to every new client. The flyers will consist of a variety of
activities offered and emphasize the value of engaging in activities. Lastly, the facility’s
calendar will list the date/time/topics offered biweekly.
● Eligibility: Any clients who are currently staying at the Men’s Detox Center are eligible to
participate in groups. There are no further requirements.
● Space requirements and estimated number of participants: Depending on the amount
of participants, groups will be held in either the upstairs groups room or the downstairs
dining space. The groups’ room can accommodate approximately 20 participants. The
downstairs dining space can accommodate approximately 40 participants. The number of
participants will vary depending on the turnout, but instructors should plan for
approximately 7 to 20 participants. A higher turnout should be expected during the winter
months since the VOA experiences higher occupancy rates.
● Required equipment: The required equipment needed to carry out groups are: tables,
chairs, yoga mats, art supplies & materials, and overhead TV projectors etc. (See
Attached Appendix B)
Goals and Objectives of Coping for Recovery
Goal #1: Clients at the VOA’s adult detox center will implement new means of activities and coping skills to
prevent relapsing from substance use.
● On a weekly basis, program staff will recruit 2 newly admitted residents to participate in groups.
● Group leaders will educate participants on the importance and benefits of attending art,
mindfulness and life skills activity groups’ 2 times per week.
● Upon completion of the program, residents will replace the occupation of using with new
meaningful activities as a substitution for their drug and alcohol dependency.
Goal #2: The activities program will be sustainable over time to prevent relapse for future participants.
 ● Occupational therapy students will create a workbook guide for staff members to follow
throughout the program.
● Within one month, staff members will be trained to run the activities group 2 times per week.
Addressing Potential Problems
While the Coping Recovery Program has been thoroughly planned, the following table is a summary of
potential problems that may be faced and alternative strategies to address the problem:
Potential Problem How Problem will be Addressed

Limited Space If the facility is experiencing high rates of occupancy, it is possible that the number
of group participants could exceed 20. If so, the downstairs dining space is able to
accommodate up to 40 people.

Accessibility Issues Typically, groups are held upstairs in the groups’ room. There are steep stairs that
lead to the upstairs space, and there is no elevator. If accessibility is an issue, the
downstairs dining room is available. Additionally, all furniture is mobile and can be
rearranged with ease.

Lack of a team Since there will be a variety of activities and thorough instructions in the program
leader development workbook, any staff member can act as a substitute leader.

Withdrawal symptoms The OT will be trained on how to administer Naloxone by a fellow medical expert
and will be required to have a current CPR certification. Additionally, all of the staff
members have already been trained on how to administer Naloxone. The groups’
room and dining room will also be equipped with a CPR and First Aid kit.
Staff members are trained to administer Naloxone and it's always available on
hand in case of a potential overdose; allow participants to take breaks as needed,
keep a close relationship with nursing staff.

Resources & If there’s a lack of funding for resources, then donations will be a priority to keep
funding groups running. The VOA could partner with art stores and yoga studios to bring in
donations.

Recruitment/ Often time recruiting clients can be challenging. To ensure that residents join and
Retention Rates participate in weekly activity groups, the peer supporter and staff members will
provide individuals who had previously attended group sessions with the incentive
to go out on leisure walks following the activity.

Required Personnel and Resources Personnel:

Program sustainability: In order to sustain the program there must be a group leader, supplies, funding, and
participants. The Coping for Recovery program can be sustained over time by having a clear outline of what
the program consists of, knowledge of how the program will be funded, and ensuring that the environment
supports sustainability. The OT’s role is to provide evidence-based research to develop a sustainable program
that is client-centered and theory-based. In addition, they will collaborate with staff to create lesson plans.
Occupational therapy will be provided on a consultation basis once a month for a total of 10 months while the
program is being implemented. The OT will create a workbook guide that has specific directions with both
written and visual instruction on the program’s lesson plans, group rules, and goals that can be carried out by
the peer supporter and staff member. The roles of the certified peer support specialist and the staff member
will be to carry out each week’s lesson plans. Additionally, the peer support specialist will use their personal
experience of recovery to relate to clients and offer a sense of compassion.
Budget Requirements: (See Attached Appendix B)
To sustain the Coping for Recovery Program for one year, projected funds of $4,017.00 are required to support
the activities group. This amount accounts for all of the supplies and materials necessary to carry out the
lesson plans. To be able to run the groups, a peer support specialist and a staff member must be committed to
implementing the groups two times a week for 1-hour sessions, which will require both members to take an
additional 2-hours per week on top of their regular work hours. Additionally, an OT will have to be available two
times a week for the first and final months to help support the peer supporter and the staff member and to
develop the program. The OT is also required to provide ten monthly consultations during the start of the
program to ensure groups are being run properly and if any modifications need to be considered to
successfully accommodate for the residents' needs at the VOA detox center.
The projected funds necessary to sustain the Coping for Recovery program for one-year equates to
$4,017. This amount accounts for all of the supplies and materials necessary to carry out the lesson plans. A
peer support specialist and a staff member are essential components of the program because they will be in
charge of leading groups. They must be committed to implementing groups two times a week for 1-hour
sessions. This will require both members to work an additional 2-hours per week on top of their regular work
schedules. Lastly, an OT is required to provide ten monthly consultations during the start of the program to
ensure groups are being run properly and if any modifications need to be considered to successfully
accommodate for the residents' needs at the VOA detox center.
Program Evaluation
Resident feedback surveys will be distributed after program completion to assess the following:
effectiveness of the program, improvement of self-coping strategies, and sustainability of activity engagement
outside of group participation (See Attached Appendix C). The peer support group leader and staff member will
also evaluate the program to assess recruitment/retention rates via weekly sign-in sheets utilized. Participants
will be given a pre and post-intervention survey to determine the efficacy of the activity group. Participants and
staff members will measure objectives on a weekly basis via report. Patient follow-up for long-term success will
be reported and documented by the peer support specialist and the staff member.
The program will be evaluated using pre and post surveys. The surveys will include both quantitative
and qualitative data using a modified likert scale with open-ended questions. A pre-survey will be offered to
residents to assess needs at baseline. A post-survey will be distributed to residents after program completion
to assess the following: effectiveness of the program, improvement of self-coping strategies, and sustainability
of activity engagement outside of group participation. The program will also be evaluated to assess recruitment
& retention rates via weekly sign-in sheets utilized by the peer support group leader and staff member. It is our
hope that the Coping for Recovery program will be offered beyond the one-year time frame provided that
funding is still available. The program will continue to evaluate and improve the curriculum using feedback from
participants, occupational therapy consultations, staff members, and stakeholders.
In conclusion, the amount of homeless people in Utah struggling with drug addiction far outnumbers the
amount of resources available to them. There is still a need to improve the quality of care and increase services
offered to people with a history of substance use disorder. Therefore, the Coping for Recovery program, an all
inclusive treatment approach can spark interests and increase the number of individuals who require treatment,
but are not currently receiving them. With proper funding, our program can continue to expand and be carried
out at multiple treatment programs to reach a larger substance use population. Additionally, to solve and combat
the global issue of substance abuse, it is necessary that the healthcare system needs to take a multidimensional
approach that addresses a person holistically. This means that the social factors that contribute to the cyclical
nature of addiction must be addressed on both a macro-level (public policy, laws, education etc.) and a micro-
level (the individual). In order to accomplish such a grandiose task, it is essential that an interprofessional team
be established to ensure that clients receive comprehensive treatment. Occupational therapy practitioners play a
valuable role in the addiction recovery team because of the practice’s emphasis on restoring everyday function
and engaging in meaningful activities. For many substance users, their major occupation is using drugs and/or
alcohol. That aspect of their life consumes them entirely. Thus, it is vital to replace the occupation of “using”
with other leisure activities. What better way to do this than to move from occupational deprivation to
occupational participation through the exploration of meaningful activities. As a result, the Coping for Recovery
program will empower men with substance use disorders to develop a set of individualized tools and coping
strategies learned throughout the 10-month process to restructure old habits and routines associated with using
harmful substances into a road to recovery.
Appendix A:
VOA Needs Assessment Questionnaire

AGE:
D.O.C.
Typical length of Stay at VOA:
Are you currently seeking treatment? Yes / No

1. What are your personal goals here at the VOA detox center?

2. What kind of groups do you attend at the VOA detox center and what groups do they offer clients?

3. What groups or treatment centers do you attend outside of VOA?

4. What activities do you like (or used to like) to participate in?

5. Pick the activity groups you would most likely attend? (Circle all that apply)

Arts & Crafts Meditation Yoga Aerobics Tai Chi

Parenting Education Life Skills Mindfulness walking

6. What physical, psychological, social or personal needs do have that you’d wish the center could
provide a group for?

7. How often do you return to the VOA after leaving for the 24 hr. period?

8. How do you cope with negative behaviors/ thoughts and feelings?

9. Do you currently live out on the streets? Yes/ NO

10. How can we make activity groups more enjoyable for you during your stay at the VOA?
Summary from the Needs Assessment Questionnaire:

Findings from the Needs Assessment Questionnaire revealed that 79% of clients who seek

treatment options at the VOA detox center are homeless, with only 21% stating that they

tend to stay with friends or family during transition phases of recovery. Those who are

homeless have indicated that second chance housing opportunities are minimal in the state

of Utah due to histories of a criminal background and insufficient funds.

The majority of clients (89%) at the detox center are currently seeking treatment options

such as pharmacotherapy, Seeking Safety, 12-step, and positive focus groups, as

compared to 11% who informally stated they weren't ready to take the initial steps to
recovery. Others did mention that they receive treatment and attend programs outside the

facility, including USARA, Journey Program, Project Reality, SMART, and 12-step groups.

Of the 19 participants who filled out our Needs Assessment Survey, the top four activity

interest groups were in life skills with 23%, meditation with 18%, mindfulness walking with

15%, and Arts & Crafts with 15%. Of the activities listed, only 3% were interested in

aerobics and 6% in attending parent education groups. Results from our findings give us,

as occupational therapy students, a better understanding of what our population is seeking

in terms of therapeutic activity and life skills training groups.

Appendix B:
Budget Justification

Budget Item Cost Rationale

In-kind Contributions N/A *Refer to in-kind contributions below

Activity group room The following items provided by the VOA adult
Cafeteria space detox center are necessary to run weekly
I Pad mindfulness and physical activity groups. In
Television addition to printing educational handouts,
HDMI cable which will be distributed during group sessions.
Large folding tables Instructors will also utilize facility whiteboards
Chairs to announce weekly groups.
Yoga Mats (20)
Marketing (White dry erase board)
Dry erase markers
Computer paper
Black and color Ink cartridge
Office printer

Supplies

Color pencils (3 packs of 100) $57.00 Funding for art supplies and materials are
Chalk (2 packs of 24) $6.00 necessary to implement and sustain our Arts &
Crayons (2 packs of 120) $14.00 Crafts groups
Gel pens (3 packs of 48) $45.00
Felt tip pens (4 packs of 20) $48.00
Markers (2 packs of 100) $30.00
Construction paper (480 sheets) $10.00
Glue sticks (pack of 30) $10.00
Scissors (2 packs of 12) $30.00
Watercolor paint (20 packs) $60.00
Tape dispenser and 6 refill packs $13.00
Paintbrushes (4 packs of 25) $16.00
Yarn (4 bundles) $30.00
Paper plates (225 plates) $10.00
Napkins/ paper towels (1000 sheet) $15.00
Scrapbook paper (3 bundle stacks) $20.00
Watercolor canvas paper (10 packs of 24) $120.00
Adult coloring books (4 sets) $40.00
Magazines N/A Instructors utilized donated magazines

Personnel
Certified Peer Support Specialist
(Peer support personnel makes $26,732
per year which = $13.40/ hour)
Peer support specialist will work 5 days a
week for 8 hour /day
52 weeks in a year (minus 2 week for
holidays)
50 weeks/year x 40 hours a week= 2,000
$26,732 divided by 2,000 = $13.40/ hour
(Assuming 2 weeks of paid holiday or 10
days of paid holiday per year)
OT consultation 1x each month
(OT consultation = $39.00/ hour)
1 session each month for an hour during
the actual 10 month program
During the first month of developing the
program and the final month for the
evaluation process, OT consultation will
be held 2x/week for 1-hour sessions= total
of 20 sessions
Staff member
(Detox staff members on average makes
$16.48 an hour)
5 days a week for 8 hour /day
52 weeks in a year (minus 2 week for
holidays)= 50 weeks.
(Assuming 2 weeks of paid holiday or 10
days of paid holiday per year)
Total Requested $ 4,017.00
$1,340.00 Groups will be held 2x/ week for an hour. One
peer support will take on two additional hours a
week to run groups for up to a year. Work 2
additional hours =$26.80 x 50 weeks (year
2020) = $1,340.00
$1,170.00 1-hour OT consultation held 1x/ month for 10
months = $390.00 to ensure groups are being
run properly and if any modifications need to
be considered to successfully accommodate
for the wants and needs of the residents at the
VOA detox center.
During the first month of training and for the
evaluation process, 1 OT will be required to
participate in the training/ evaluation process
2x/week for 1-hour sessions for 2 months=
$780.00
Total OT consultation 390.00+780.00=
1,170.00
$1,648.00 Groups will be held 2x/ week for an hour. One
staff member will take on two additional hours
a week to run groups for up to a year alongside
the certified peer supporter. Work 2 additional
hours= $32.96 x 50 weeks (year 2020)=
$1,648.00
*In-kind contributions:
Item Cost

Space (Groups room and/or Provided by the VOA detox center free of
cafeteria): charge.

Yoga Mats $13 each (20) $260.00

I Pad $400.00

Television $250.00

HDMI cable $10.00

Large dry erase board $50.00

Dry erase markers (1 set of 30) $30.00

Large office computer printer $470.00

Computer paper (8 ream case) $24.00

Black/ color Ink cartridge $50.00

Large folding tables $60/each (2) $120.00

Chairs $17/each (20) $340.00

Total: 2,004
Appendix C:

Anonymous Post Activity Group Survey

Age:
DOC:
Typical length of stay:
Currently seeking treatment: YES / NO

1. How often do you attend weekly activity groups?

Daily 1x/week 2x/week 3x/week 4x/week 5x/week

2. How likely are you to continue the activities offered in groups on your own free time?

Very likely Unsure Not likely Other: ________________________

3. How helpful were the activity groups offered by the occupational therapist students at the VOA?

Very helpful Neutral Not helpful Other: ____________________

4. What did you learn from attending weekly activity groups?

5. What would an ideal program be for you during your recovery process?

6. What are some recommendations for us to improve the activity groups?

 References

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