Co-occurring Mental Health & Substance Use / GRP698
Knowing When More Support Is Needed — Scenario Card Exchange
Map routine care routes and questions about increased support using existing clinical guidance.
30 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's usual coping is no longer enough.
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's usual coping is no longer enough. Ask what is known, what is assumed, and what the person in the case wants.
Practice: Card sort — 16 minutes
Map routine care routes and questions about increased support using existing clinical guidance. Using only the fictional case, make cards for the goal, a contextual barrier, an available support, an alternative, and a possible next step. Sort them into what is known, what needs checking, and what requires outside help; discuss cards that can fit more than one place.
Reflect and compare — 4 minutes
Who can help assess the appropriate next step? 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 card arrangement showing facts, questions, and support needs.
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.