Co-occurring Mental Health & Substance Use / GRP694
Medication and Substance Questions — Cooperative Planning Workshop
Prepare nonjudgmental questions for a prescriber about treatment and substance-use concerns without offering interaction advice.
40 minutes · 3–10 people · Adults with trained group facilitation
Facilitator PDF · Fillable participant PDF · Open activity / add to session
UNDERSTAND THE IDEA
More than one concern can affect the same day.
Sleep, mood, trauma-related reactions, substance use, health conditions, and practical stress can interact. It may be useful to track a pattern and prepare questions for coordinated care rather than assuming one cause explains everything.
Facilitation lens: Keep discussion descriptive and avoid diagnosing group members. Identify what belongs with the therapist, medical team, crisis services, or practical support.
Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.
Try a different interactive experience in the Activity Lab →
Fictional example
A member is uncertain what information to share at a visit.
Open with choice — 3 minutes
Explain the purpose, privacy limits, and the option to observe, use fiction, adapt, or pass. Check access needs and group readiness; do not promise absolute confidentiality.
Meet the fictional case — 4 minutes
A member is uncertain what information to share at a visit. Ask what is known, what is assumed, and what the person in the case wants.
Practice: Planning workshop — 26 minutes
Prepare nonjudgmental questions for a prescriber about treatment and substance-use concerns without offering interaction advice. In pairs or small groups, create two possible plans for the fictional case. Compare access, effort, likely tradeoffs, and consent. Choose one reversible trial with a backup and a review point; allow an observing role.
Reflect and compare — 4 minutes
What belongs in a qualified medical conversation? Ask what fits, what does not, and what external conditions or supports affect the options. No personal disclosure is required.
Close and integrate — 3 minutes
Invite an optional observation, support request, or small next step. Passing is welcome. Agree how to revisit questions and seek appropriate help outside the exercise.
Practice output
A feasible plan with a support, a backup, and a review question.
Scope and adaptation
Use ordinary or fictional examples, not graphic substance-use stories or cue exposure. No competitive abstinence scoring, forced disclosure, or required pathway. These plans do not manage intoxication, overdose, withdrawal, or medication changes; follow individualized care and appropriate medical assessment.
Offer reading aloud, typing, drawing, pointing, or observation. Avoid mandatory movement, eye contact, touch, and body focus.
Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending.
Conceptual background
References inform broad principles and do not validate or endorse this original plan.