My Action Plan

For
Relapse Prevention
Stinkin’ Thinkin’ Triggers

Medication
Adherence

Spirituality

Circle of Support Problem

Solving

MAP
Copyright 2002, 03, 04 by Montgomery County Emergency Service, Inc.

This publication may be reproduced by photocopy or other means without modifica-

tion for free distribution to consumers of mental health and substance abuse ser-
vices. Reproduction for any other purpose requires the permission of Montgomery
County Emergency Service, Inc.
 My Action Plan
For
Relapse Prevention

Prepared By:

Montgomery County Emergency Service, Inc.

50 Beech Drive
Norristown, PA 19403-5421
610-279-6100 ♦ www.mces. org ♦ [email protected]

May 2002
Revised March 2004
 Table of Contents

What is This Book About? .................................................................................................................................6

Triggers....................................................................................................................................................................7
Spirituality ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
Problem Solving ................................................................................................................................................. 17
Medication Adherence ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Circle of Supports .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Stinkin’ Thinkin’ ............................................................................................................................................... 31
My Action Plan .................................................................................................................................................. 37

Name: ______________________________________________

Date: ____________________
Montgomery County Emergency Service, Inc. (MCES) has been providing a broad range of crisis
intervention, emergency psychiatric care, and criminal justice diversion services since 1974.

MCES has long recognized that many behavioral health crises and emergencies originate with a
relapse related to mental illness, substance abuse, or both. Relapse plays a part in many hospital-
izations, and many of those served by MCES have a dual diagnosis.

In early 2002, a multidisciplinary group of MCES staff got together as a Relapse Prevention Task
Force. Their focus was to develop programs to help prevent relapse among MCES consumers.

Over several months the group assessed the relapse prevention needs of MCES patients, reviewed
the literature on relapse, and evaluated available relapse prevention resources. This publication is
the principal output of that process. It is part of an inpatient relapse prevention program that
involves patient education, support/therapy groups, individual counseling, and appropriate medi-
cation, when necessary.

MCES understands that relapse can best be prevented when consumers and providers work to-
gether to understand the risks, the signs, the triggers, and the steps to be taken to head off relapse.
My Action Plan for Relapse Prevention (MAP) is designed to facilitate this process.

MCES welcomes comments on this publication and suggestions for improving future editions.
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT?

This book is a tool to help you prevent a relapse.

Relapse is defined as a return to a pattern of living that leads

to an inability to sustain recovery/ remission. This work-
book is designed to encourage you to take an active role in
your wellness. The workbook is designed to assist you to rec-
ognize early signs of relapse and to independently develop
and apply behavioral skills to reduce the risk of relapse. This
book will help you recognize relapse as something that can
be in your control, not something that suddenly comes out
of nowhere.

If you seriously work through this book, it can empower you to begin to
build a MAP for your emotional, mental and spiritual well being. The
book is meant to be used actively when you are discharged. We suggest
you review it daily for a week or two and then at regular intervals. The
more you review this book and MAP, the better prepared you will be to
spot the subtle signs of relapse.

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 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

TRIGGERS

Sam was very depressed and suicidal after a cocaine binge. He had stopped the
medications for his Bipolar illness a few weeks before because he felt so good.
He has very little structure in his life, lives in a boarding home and is constantly
bored and complaining of not having any fun since he stopped doing drugs.

When Sam came into the hospital, he was not aware that many triggers led to his
depression. After working with his treatment team, he realized that using drugs,
not staying on his medication, and not having any interests/activities to fill up his
time triggered his feelings of depression and suicide.

Everyone has a past that involves situations that were good or bad. Whenever something happens
that reminds me of one of these experiences, it triggers memories of that time. I react to the current
situation the way I reacted to the original ones. (I may not even be aware of the original event.)
Triggers can be internal (self-thoughts or emotions) or external (situations, events or what people do
or say). In order to cope with triggers I may abuse substances, have rages, withdraw from others, feel
nervous or anxious, feel suspicious, or hear voices.

It is important to be able to identify my specific triggers in order to develop coping strategies to avoid
relapsing. Some groups of triggers may be:

• Physical Triggers - things that affect my body.

• Life Stressors - personal or world events that affect me.
• Social Triggers – situations that evoke negative thoughts/feelings.
• Emotional Triggers – situations or feelings that negatively affect my sense of self.

Triggers

7
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

✔ any of the following triggers I feel apply to me. For any not listed, I will fill in the lines below.
Physical Triggers Life Stress
❑ Over tiredness ❑ Work
❑ Illness, e.g. the flu ❑ Family
❑ Loud noise ❑ Financial problems
❑ Abuse ❑ Housing
❑ World events
Social Triggers
❑ Being alone too much Emotional Triggers
❑ Holidays ❑ Feeling excluded
❑ Vacation ❑ Guilt
❑ Weddings, funerals ❑ Dwelling on the past
❑ Pay Day ❑ Blame
❑ Other people’s outbursts ❑ Symptoms worsening which may lead to
❑ Intimacy with another hospitalization
❑ Being successful ❑ Others being over-critical
❑ Music ❑ Feelings of abandonment
❑ Anniverary dates of losses or trauma ❑ Others interfering in my affairs

Other triggers in my life are:

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Triggers

8
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Things to avoid in order to prevent being triggered:

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Ideas for coping with triggers:

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Triggers

9
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Name ____________________________ Date ___________________

Evaluation of TRIGGERS

1. This information helped me to understand how this issue affects me.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

2. The material is presented clearly and is understandable.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

3. The information gave me concrete ideas that will be helpful to me when I am discharged.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

4. With 1 being “not at all helpful” and 10 being “extremely helpful,” I would rate this chapter
in terms of its usefulness to me as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. I would change this chapter. ❑ No❑ Yes If Yes, how?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Triggers

10
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Phone: 610-279-6100

SPIRITUALITY

Tom had a serious drinking and drug problem. He had lost his job and was on the
verge of divorce. None of this helped his chronic depression and anxiety. Through
a friend, Tom began to attend AA meetings, and while not enthusiastic about
everything he heard, it was not hard to admit his life was out of control. He de-
cided to give the twelve-step program a real try. By talking with other people in
recovery, sharing his feelings and doubts, and being willing to work the twelve-
steps, Tom began to feel real hope.

He came to realize the Higher Power that recovering people looked to for help
and support was simply the God of his own understanding. This definition allowed
him to look at spirituality in a brand new light. Tom started to experience the value
of daily prayer and meditation, and he read spiritual and recovery literature every-
day. He found an increasing understanding of himself and a new sense of self-
worth that had been lacking before he began to practice his daily spiritual routine.
He discovered it wasn’t necessary to be perfect, or always right. In other words,
he was happier just being himself. This new understanding of his own spirituality
helped Tom feel more connected to other people, more connected to his Higher
Power, and more connected to his own recovery.

Spirituality

11
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

What Spirituality is.

Spirituality includes feeling more connected to one’s self, to other people, to our community, and to
God, Nature, or Life in general.

Spiritual experiences and individual conceptions of spirituality are personal and vary from person to
person.

True spirituality in action helps us lead better, more fruitful and happier lives.

Check any of the following that I feel apply to me.

One expression of spirituality is being calmer, more able to handle problems in a way that
benefits me.

I feel more spiritual when I’m outdoors in nature, like a park, or in the mountains, or by a quiet
lake.

Spirituality is love for people.

A spiritual experience is when I’m with my kids, laughing and helping them grow up.

Spirituality and happiness go hand-in-hand.

Spirituality is love for one’s self.

I believe that one can be very spiritual whether they go to church, temple, synagogue, mosque,
or not.

Spirituality is not so much what one believes, but what one does to better himself and others.

Spirituality is kindness.

Spirituality includes everybody.

I’m not sure about what spirituality is, but my mind is open.

Spiritual success includes leading a better and more fruitful life.

I would like to be calmer and feel more connected.

My spirituality has to include my experience in life and my own hope for the future.

For me, spirituality is not always the same as religion.

Spirituality is increasing love.

I would like to learn more about spiritual ways of life.

I like to help other people.

Becoming more spiritual does not mean I must be perfect.

I know of a group that includes a strong spiritual connection.

I would like to find a group for myself that includes a strong spiritual connection.

I believe in my own dignity.

I’m learning the value of never giving up.

When I feel more connected to others, I feel better about myself.

I had a strong church (or religious) background as a child.

Spirituality is trying to forgive someone who hurt me.

I am grateful to be able to keep on trying.

Spirituality means a personal relationship with my Higher Power.

Faith is trusting the process of recovery. Spirituality

Spirituality is a way to nurture my soul and value my uniqueness.

Spirituality is finding my true self.

Opening my heart and mind to receive help is a spiritual exercise.
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 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Action I will take at MCES to increase my feeling of spirituality:

Practice positive affirmations

Read inspirational books

Pray

Meditate

Go to 12 Step Meetings and share my feelings

Telephone my pastor, rabbi, imam, priest, minister, etc. – Ask them to visit me

Find a place where I can feel at peace each day

Develop daily spiritual practices like 15 minutes of prayer/meditation/inspirational reading in
the morning and evening - Quiet Time

Create something I like in Art Group and give it to another person

Share my ideas about spirituality and learn about other’s practices

Write a letter to someone thanking them for helping me

Work on developing a strong humility

Remember things I am grateful for

Let go of resentment – anger - jealousy

Practice gratitude and feeling more JOY in my life

Practice acceptance of myself, and living life on life’s terms

Let go of shame – self pity - negative self-image

Be honest with myself

Practice kindness

Be patient with myself and others

Learn to share my thoughts and feelings more openly in groups

Others: ______________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

People who can help me while I’m at MCES:

Treatment Team Members

Counselor(s) – staff, contact people, Allied Therapists

Outside AA or NA speakers

Fellow patients in recovery

Visiting clergy or religious leader

Yoga instructor

Like minded people serious about sobriety

Supportive family members and friends

Others: _______________________________________________________

Spirituality _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

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 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Spirituality is encouraged and increased by an attitude of gratitude.

Six or more things I am grateful for today.

1. _____________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________________________
6. _____________________________________________________________________________
7. _____________________________________________________________________________
8. _____________________________________________________________________________
9. _____________________________________________________________________________
10. _____________________________________________________________________________

Specific people I know who can help me on my spiritual journey:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Spirituality

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 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Things to do to increase my own feelings of spirituality after I leave:

Read inspirational books

Pray

Meditate

Attend AA or NA meetings, participate, get a sponsor

Work the 12-Steps of AA/NA

Continue my daily spiritual practice

Spend more time in nature, the great outdoors

Practice Yoga

Make a daily gratitude list

Join a group of spiritually minded positive people

Continue to be willing to learn

Cultivate more friendships and social events with spiritually minded positive people

Establish a schedule for daily prayer/meditation/inspirational reading - Quiet Time

Open up to my own best self and learn to be more content

Volunteer to help other people

Keep daily contact with like minded positive people

Say the Serenity Prayer throughout the day

Repeat positive affirmations

Forgive someone who has hurt me

Other: ____________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

People Who Can Help After I Leave:

Supportive sober family members and sober friends

Supportive sober co-workers

Counselor(s)

Sponsor(s) (AA/NA)

Other people in recovery who are serious about sobriety

Clergy

Support Group

Other: ________________________________________________________________

Spirituality ________________________________________________________________

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 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Name ____________________________ Date ___________________

Evaluation of SPIRITUALITY

1. This information helped me to understand how this issue affects me.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

2. The material is presented clearly and is understandable.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

3. The information gave me concrete ideas that will be helpful to me when I am discharged.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

4. With 1 being “not at all helpful” and 10 being “extremely helpful,” I would rate this chapter
in terms of its usefulness to me as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. I would change this chapter. ❑ No❑ Yes If Yes, how?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Spirituality

16
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

PROBLEM SOLVING

Delilah had not used heroin in four months. The antidepressant she was taking
made her feel more hopeful and gave her some energy to face daily situations.
However, Delilah’s family was not letting her see her three year old and she was
having difficulties with her landlord who was threatening not to renew her lease
because of problems in the past. She was beginning to think that being on medi-
cation and off heroin was not changing her life for the better.

Delilah began working with her outpatient therapist on problem solving techniques.
She discovered that a concrete, organized, step-by-step approach to working on
a problem helped her to make a much better decision.

Once I am stabilized I begin to see serious problems that must be faced. I handled them in the past by
avoidance, getting drunk or high, or by plain ignoring them. However, some of them need to be
solved to get on with my life. What is needed is a systematic objective method of problem solving.

Problem
Solving

17
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Specific problems I am facing:

1. ______________________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________________________

Putting the problem under a microscope. Pieces I need to examine more

closely:

The people involved are: ___________________________________________________________

Exactly what happened: ___________________________________________________________

This happens when: _______________________________________________________________

This happens why: ________________________________________________________________

This happens how: ________________________________________________________________

Information and suggestions I have gathered from others:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Some of my options for solving the problem are:

1. _________________________________________________________________ Problem
2. _________________________________________________________________ Solving
3. _________________________________________________________________

18
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Examination of options:

Option 1:
Pro Con Realistic Expectations

Option 2:
Pro Con Realistic Expectations

Option 3:
Pro Con Realistic Expectations

I feel the best option for me at this time is (and my reasons for choosing
this one):
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Problem _________________________________________________________________
Solving _________________________________________________________________

19
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Steps I have to take:

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

The results of those steps were:

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Who c a n he l p me to probl e m sol v e whe n I l e a v e

Who c a n he l p me to probl e m sol v e a t MCE S?
the hospi ta l ?

Problem
Solving

20
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Name ____________________________ Date ___________________

Evaluation of PROBLEM SOLVING

1. This information helped me to understand how this issue affects me.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

2. The material is presented clearly and is understandable.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

3. The information gave me concrete ideas that will be helpful to me when I am discharged.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

4. With 1 being “not at all helpful” and 10 being “extremely helpful,” I would rate this chapter
in terms of its usefulness to me as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. I would change this chapter. ❑ No❑ Yes If Yes, how?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Problem
Solving

21
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

MEDICATION ADHERENCE
Mindy had been diagnosed with depression two months ago. She had been tak-
ing her medication as prescribed since she was discharged from the hospital.
She felt better on the medication but was wondering if she really needed it any-
more. After all she was sleeping better and regained her appetite. Her spirits were
brighter and she was no longer crying at the drop of a hat. However, she noticed
she was starting to put on weight and did not seem to enjoy sex as much as she
did before she was treated for depression. Her doctor always seemed to be rushed
and didn’t really seem to have time to discuss medication issues. Mindy, without
talking to anyone in her circle of supports or anyone on her treatment team, stopped
her medication. Part of her knew this was risky but she rationalized her mental
health disease was cured and that she no longer needed to take medications.
Besides, she ran out of money for her medications. After all, who wants to be tied
down to taking medications and who wants to gain weight and not enjoy sex. Two
months later, Mindy was readmitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt. She
was experiencing difficulty falling and staying asleep, couldn’t eat, secluded her-
self from her friends and support system, and began to feel hopeless about her
future.

Mindy talked to her doctor about why she stopped taking her medications. Her
doctor reassured her that a switch to a different antidepressant that did not cause
weight gain or sexual problems could be prescribed. Her physician reminded her
that her depression was a medical illness much like diabetes or heart disease
and would require continued treatment with medications. Mindy promised not to
stop her medications again without talking to her doctor first.

WHAT?

Medication non-adherence is anytime I choose to not take medications as pre-

scribed by my physician. This includes the right amount, the right time, and as
directed. Non-adherence is when I either stop my medication on my own, change
the amount I take, skip days, or choose not to follow the instructions. As a con-
sumer, it is important that I feel my medication plan enables me to manage my Medication
symptoms with the least amount of side effects.
Adherence

22
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Phone: 610-279-6100

WHY?

There are a variety of reasons why people do not take medications as prescribed. Contrary to popu-
lar belief, most people don’t stop taking medications because of a lack of insight. The adherence
levels for a person with mental health disorders are similar to people with hypertension, diabetes,
and heart disease. Many mental health illnesses are thought to be caused by a malfunction in the
brain. Medications are ordered to alter the faulty brain chemistry that causes many of my symptoms.
The goal of medication therapy is to restore normal brain chemistry and improve the quality of my
life.

There are a variety of reasons why people do not take their medications. Among the most common
reasons are:

1) I feel better and therefore, think I don’t need the medication any more. Part of the reason for this belief is
that when I have a health problem I take a medication and feel better. I do not get up everyday and
take an aspirin in case I get a headache. It is sometimes difficult to understand that with mental health
medications I feel better because I am taking meds. If I stop the medication, the symptoms and prob-
lems I had before taking the medication will return.

2) I can not tolerate the side effects. Every type of mental health medication has at least several differ-
ent choices in that category. Since everyone’s body and metabolism are different, what works for
one person may cause intolerable side effects or not work at all for another person. So if I find
that after taking the medication for one to two months I don’t feel much improved or have
intolerable side effects (such as gaining a lot of weight, sexual problems, feeling tired all the time),
I can talk to my doctor. He/she will work with me to find another medication that will help me
without the side effects.

3) I don’t have insurance or my insurance does not cover my medication and I can not afford to pay cash
for it. This is a common problem, especially with people who lose their health insurance. I can
ask my doctor for samples of my medications. This may help until I get a more permanent
solution. All of the drug manufacturers have programs to assist people without insurance. I can
get an application from the company (these are available at MCES) and work with my outpatient
doctor on getting the medication. Medication will be either free or very inexpensive IF I am
eligible. There are sites on the internet that can help. (www.needymeds.com and
www.helpingpatients.org)

4) I am angry/ashamed/guilty that I need to take medication because something is wrong with my brain.
In the past 10-12 years more evidence has been found to support the fact that
mental illness is a disease of the brain. Each illness has distinct chemical and/or
physical differences. Asthma is a physical illness which causes distinct chemical
Medication and physical changes. Following the treatment prescribed by a physician can gen-
Adherence erally enable one to lead a comfortable, productive life. The same is true for mental
illness. The stigma that is attached to mental illness has been decreasing as educa-
tion and the media make people more aware of the facts.

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 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

WHAT CAN I DO?

• Attend medicaiton education group while at MCES.
• Learn as much as possible about my medications so I can make informed decisions in partnership
with my doctor.
• Talk with my doctor any time I am thinking about stopping my medications or adjusting the dose.
• List and weigh the positive and negative consequences of continuing and discontinuing my medica-
tion.
• Use my circle of supports to discuss decisions regarding medication compliance.
• Know which side effects I am not willing to tolerate so that I and my physician can explore all
available options.
• Keep an accurate record of all medications I have taken and responses to them.
• Take my medication and keep a log or diary of how I feel on my medication.
• If I want to stop my medication, I will talk it over with my doctor before stopping them. He or she
will help me make the best choices for me.
• If cost is an issue, I will contact my aftercare program/doctor. There are options available such as
the indigent drug program, samples, etc.
• Equate taking medication with wellness and personal empowerment to take conrol of my illness.
• Remember most side effects can be reduced or eliminated by minor adjustments to my medication
plan. Any problems, such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, excessive tiredness, stiffness, insomnia,
etc. can be addressed by my physician.

Medication
Medication Worksheet Adherence
My current medications. Today’s date: ___________________________
Whe n to
D r u g N am e D os age Re as on for it Side Effe c ts
take

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Are there any necessary lifestyle or dietary changes needed for any of the medications I am taking?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

When should I contact my physician regarding an adjustment to my medication plan of care?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Medications I am not willing to take and why?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Reasons I stopped taking medications in the past.

___ I didn’t think I needed medications anymore.
___ I didn’t have any money or insurance to get medication.
___ I believed the side effects are intolerable and worse than the cure.
___ Other: _________________________________________________________________

My plan to remain compliant with my prescribed medications.

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Helpful Medication Hints:

• Remember past consequences, including the return of symptoms, when you stopped taking
your medication.
• Never drive or operate heavy equipment if you feel drowsy or excessively tired.
• Eat a diet high in fiber.
• Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables.
• Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
• Use sugar-free hard candies if your mouth is dry.
• Do not drink alcohol or use unprescribed drugs while taking medication.
• Exercise daily.
• Call your doctor if you experience a high fever or feel stiff.
• Use sunscreen.
• Try to limit the number of cigarettes you smoke since smoking lowers the
Medication
effectiveness of many drugs.
• Limit your caffeine intake. Adherence
• Place your medications in a location where you will remember to take them.

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 www.mces.org
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Name ____________________________ Date ___________________

Evaluation of MEDICATION ADHERENCE

1. This information helped me to understand how this issue affects me.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

2. The material is presented clearly and is understandable.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

3. The information gave me concrete ideas that will be helpful to me when I am discharged.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

4. With 1 being “not at all helpful” and 10 being “extremely helpful,” I would rate this chapter
in terms of its usefulness to me as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. I would change this chapter. ❑ No❑ Yes If Yes, how?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Medication
Adherence

26
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

CIRCLE OF SUPPORTS

John’s life seemed hopeless. After suffering personal tragedy in his family, he
sunk into a deep depression. He had feelings of deep sadness and was suffering
terribly. John would isolate in his room and cry a lot. The simmering emotions
were eating him up. He drank a lot of alcohol, in an attempt to numb his feelings.
However, he just got more depressed and started feeling suicidal. John finally
reached out for help. He began attending a support group at night and shared his
true feelings. He felt like a large weight fell off his back. It was hard at first to talk
about his feelings, but so helpful that he kept coming back. John made some
friends, but still needed more help. He saw a psychologist who recognized that
John was depressed. He was put on antidepressants and after taking these meds
for a couple weeks, he noticed that his despair was turning to hope. John now
kept sharing his feelings and taking his meds. John reached out for help and
shared his stuffed emotions. Now, life slowly became like a blooming flower in-
stead of a dimly lit room.

Family Community
Support Support

Treatment
Support

Circle of
Support

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 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

An effective circle of support is one of the most important aspects of recovery for a person recover-
ing from mental illness or addiction. Anything in our life that gives us hope, trust, or love is support.
People, friends, family members, ministers, self-help groups, counselors, and others can be a major
source of support. When a person reaches out for help, instead of isolating, they make a huge leap
forward in their recovery.
 Have I ever isolated during times of distress?
 Do I hold things inside instead of talking about problems?

At MCES, I am encouraged to share my feelings. If I let out thoughts and feeling that are brewing
inside, I feel better, and relieve these simmering emotions. All the energy I use to stuff my feelings
can be used toward my recovery. So during groups and while talking to others, I need to be honest
and let it all out. If these feelings don’t come out openly they may come out in unhealthy ways, such
as angry outbursts, tension headaches, isolation, etc. Some ways of building a circle of support:
✔ Talk about the present
✔ Talk honestly about what I think and how I feel
✔ Take responsibility for what I say by using “I” statements

A recovering person needs a lot of help and support to get better. So, in the hospital I should ask
clinicians, doctors, social workers, and contact people alot of questions. I should listen to their
advice. Also, I should seek support from other patients. We are all in this together and our collective
experience, strength and hope can help us. I should listen while others are talking about their recov-
ery.

After I leave MCES, a new world of hope and opportunity awaits. However, the foot work in
forming a circle of support for after discharge starts now. Who are specific people I can connect with
today to receive support?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Circle of
Support

28
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Support groups can be a key to successful recovery. Making connections now will help me bridge
the transition out of the hospital. At MCES, information is available about when and where support
groups are held. I will review the community resources board located outside the activities room in
North Hall. Resources in surrounding communities include drop in centers, mental health support
groups, loss and bereavement groups, Divorce Care and NAMI. This board is updated regularly, so
I will check for new support group information. I understand that more group information is avail-
able, and I will check with an Allied Therapy staff about this.

Other places to connect within the community are: 12-Step meetings, YMCAs, community centers,
social clubs (such as Friends Connection, Forteniters), volunteer work and churches/places of wor-
ship. In the Neighbors Section of the Sunday Inquirer there are many pages listing support groups.
Support groups are invaluable in helping me continue my recovery. I form connections, a lifeline of
help, at these groups. I should get phone numbers of people that can help me. Groups remind me
that recovery is an ongoing process. My illness goes into remission, but symptoms can reappear if I
don’t continue seeking help. A circle of support is the foundation of my recovery. I will get better if
I reach out. Keep it up! Things will improve!

Meeting new people can be intimidating. What can I do to feel more confident and comfortable?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

What prevents me from reaching out to friends, family or community groups? How can I work through
this?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

What specific types of support would be helpful in preventing me from relapse?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________
Circle of
_________________________________________________________________
Support
_________________________________________________________________

29
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Name ____________________________ Date ___________________

Evaluation of CIRCLE OF SUPPORT

1. This information helped me to understand how this issue affects me.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

2. The material is presented clearly and is understandable.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

3. The information gave me concrete ideas that will be helpful to me when I am discharged.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

4. With 1 being “not at all helpful” and 10 being “extremely helpful,” I would rate this chapter
in terms of its usefulness to me as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. I would change this chapter. ❑ No❑ Yes If Yes, how?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Circle of
Support

30
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

STINKIN’ THINKIN’

John suffered from depression. Everything about life seemed like it was dark
and troublesome. His past seemed filled with regrets and each day John
thought about every single negative thing that happened to him. “Poor John,”
he said to himself. It wasn’t until things got really bad that he reached out for
help. He met with a psychologist who helped him realize that his own stinkin’
thinkin’ was making him miserable. Mainly, his psychologist said that John’s
negative thinking was giving him negative feelings, which was contributing to
his depression. He asked John to pick out one positive thing about his life.
John couldn’t think of any. However, his psychologist taught him ways to com-
bat his stinkin’ thinkin’. John practiced every day focusing on the positives in-
stead of the negatives. John came out of his black cloud into the warmth of
recovery.

Stinkin’
Thinkin’

31
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Often, I feel guilty about things I may have done during my full blown mental illness and substance
abuse. Some guilt or shame can be good and motivate me for recovery; however, too much guilt can
lead to relapse. Talking about my guilt can help release it and will allow more energy for my recov-
ery. At MCES, I am encouraged to share my guilty feelings during group. I should continue to let
them out at 12 Step Groups and with my circle of support after discharge.

Self pity and chronic resentment can lead me toward relapse. Self pity often causes me to blame other
people for my problems. Sometimes, self pity causes me to not take personal responsibility for my
problems and therefore causes me to not work at getting better. Also, self pity often causes resent-
ment toward others and can lead to my rejection of help.

Stinkin’ Thinkin’ must be challenged on a daily basis to effectively prevent relapse. At MCES, I will
learn ways to cope with stinkin’ thinkin’ and to change it toward positive thinking. However, stinkin’
thinkin’ is often deeply rooted in my consciousness, and I must continue challenging it on a daily
basis after discharge with the help of my circle of support. At MCES I am encouraged to share my
guilty feelings at groups, and to forgive myself.

A mental illness relapse or substance abuse relapse can be compared to a train

that goes off the track. Often, a return to “stinking thinkin” is a warning sign
that I am headed for a relapse station. Relapse is often caused by irrational
thoughts.

What are some examples of my own stinkin’ thinkin’?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________ Stinkin’
_________________________________________________________________ Thinkin’
_________________________________________________________________

32
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

It is easy to tell ourselves we can get better alone, without the help of medications or our circle of
support. However, it is important I remember that reaching out for help is the key to my recovery
from mental illness and substance abuse. My own way is what got me in trouble. So, my open
mindedness and willingness to avoid isolating are key to a healthy recovery from mental illness and
substance abuse.

Believing we don’t need help to get better is stinkin’ thinkin’. Many of us isolate when symptoms of
our illness surface. However, isolating can be a huge trigger for relapse. It is crucial that we reach out
for help. How can I avoid isolating?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Thinking errors often manifest in my negative thinking. I often focus on all my problems and fail to
recognize that some things are going well. I am sometimes plagued by negative thoughts about
myself and my chances of improvement. At MCES and after I leave, it’s important that I challenge
negative thinking.

Do I dwell on the negatives in my life while ignoring the positive things?

 YES  NO

Do I doubt myself and my ability to get better?

 YES  NO

Stinkin’
Thinkin’

33
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

One way to challenge negative thinking is by telling myself positive things, many times a day, espe-
cially in the morning and at night. These affirmations can be helpful. It is important to create your
own affirmatios. Here are some examples.

• I CAN CHANGE AND GROW!

• I CAN SHAPE MY FUTURE!

• I AM GETTING BETTER AT BEING MYSELF

AS I STAY SOBER!

• I AM LOVABLE!

• I AM TAKING CONTROL OF MY HEALTH!

• I AM A GOOD PERSON AND I DESERVE TO

HAVE A GOOD LIFE.

• I AM LOVABLE AND TODAY I WILL EXPRESS LOVE.

My Own Original Affirmation: _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________ Stinkin’
Thinkin’

34
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Many of us have suffered grave consequences because of our mental illness or addiction. However,
we use denial to protect ourselves from the awareness that we are sick. It can be painful to acknowl-
edge. We are sick and need help and support to get better, yet it is crucial that we acknowledge and
not minimize our illnesses and their consequences.

Screening out the negative consequences is stinkin’ thinkin’. What are some negative conse-
quences of my mental illness or substance abuse problem?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Sometimes thinking errors can distort my perception of how things were when I was sick. Some-
times, I tend to focus on some things I enjoyed about being addicted or my mental illness. However,
the negative baggage that results from my illness far outweighs things I may have enjoyed about it.
So, it is important to play the tape until the end, and to recall the devastation resulting from my
mental illness or substance abuse.

Remember, to forget the past, is often to repeat it.

Do I tend to dwell on daydreams about times I may have enjoyed during my mental illness?
Why? __________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

If I have a substance abuse problem do I tend to dwell on or daydream about times I felt I
enjoyed abusing drugs and or alcohol? If yes, play this tape to the end. (Recall the devastation).

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Stinkin’ _____________________________________________________________
Thinkin’ _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

35
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Name ____________________________ Date ___________________

Evaluation of STINKIN’ THINKIN’

1. This information helped me to understand how this issue affects me.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

2. The material is presented clearly and is understandable.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

3. The information gave me concrete ideas that will be helpful to me when I am discharged.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Very Much So-So Not Really Not At All

4. With 1 being “not at all helpful” and 10 being “extremely helpful,” I would rate this chapter
in terms of its usefulness to me as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. I would change this chapter. ❑ No❑ Yes If Yes, how?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Stinkin’
Thinkin’

36
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

My Action Plan (MAP)

Circle of Support

What kind of support do I need? From whom will I get it?

________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________

Triggers

What are my triggers? Ideas for coping with them.

________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
________________________ ________________________
Problem Solving

These are some ways I will go about attempting to solve my problems more effectively.

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
MAP

37
 www.mces.org
Phone: 610-279-6100

Medication Adherence

What will I do to be compliant with my medications?

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Spirituality

Things I will do to increase my spirituality.

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Stinkin’ Thinkin’

Identify my stinkin’ thinkin’ and what I will do about it.

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________

MAP

38
sb\Pt Workbooks\MAP Workbook.p65 Version 3 March 2004
 Bibliography

Anderson, A. J. (1999). Comparative Impact Evaluation of Two Therapeutic Programs for Mentally Ill Chemical
Abusers. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 4, 11-26.

Campbell, F., Daley, D. C., & Moss, H. B. (1987)(1993). Dual Disorders: Counseling Clients with Chemical
Dependency & Mental Illness. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Comtois, K. A., Ries, R. K., Roy-Byrne, P., Russo, J., Snelnik, D., Snowden, M., & Wingerson, D. (2000,
February). Shorter Hospital Stays and More Rapid Improvement Among Patients with Schizophrenia and
Substance Disorders. Psychiatric Services. 1, 2, 210-215.

Cooper, A. & Swanson, J. (1994). Coping with Emotional and Physical High-Risk Factors. Center City, MN:
Hazelden.

Cooper, A. & Swanson, J. (1994). Coping with Personal and Social High Risk Factors. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Cooper, A. & Swanson, J. (1994). Identifying Your High Risk Factors. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Cooper, A. & Swanson, J. (1994). Stinkin’ Thinking. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Cooper, A. & Swanson, J. (1995). The Clinician’s Guide. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Cooper, A. & Swanson, J. (1995). Your Circle of Support. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Copeland, M. (1999). Winning Against Relapse. West Dummenston, VT: Peach Press

Copeland, M. (2001). Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for Dual Diagnosis. West Dummenston, VT: Peach
Press.

Dunn, R. (1986). Relapse and the Addict. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Foster, E. M. (1999, August). Do Aftercare Services Reduce Inpatient Psychiatric Readmission? Human Service
Research.

Gorski, T. T. (1989). Passages Through Recovery: An Action Plan for Preventing Relapse. Center City, MN:
Hazelden.

Grommett, John O. (1972). Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Hatfield, A. B. (1993). Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Illness. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

Improving Treatments, Preventing Relapse: Atypical Antipsychotic Medications. (2001, June 1). NIMH Paper.

Kessler, J. Dual Diagnosis – Information for Families.

Lamberti, J.S. & Mentz, J. (2000, March). A Program for Relapse Prevention in Schizophrenia: A Controlled Study.
Archives of General Psychiatry. 57, 277-283.

Macek, J. F. (2001, April). Relapse: Road to Failure or Pathway to Success. Behavioral Healthcare Tomorrow. 15-
16, 37-38.

Yamada, M. M. (2000, April). Predicting Rehospitalization of Persons with Severe Mental Illness. Journal of
Rehabilitation.
 ❑ Patient ❑ Staff Mem-
ber

__________________________________ ___________________________
Name Date

Please help our quality improvmenet team evaluate the usefulness of this segment of the attached
workbook. This workbook will be used during scheduled patient education groups. Thank you in
advance for your help. ☺
Please check section: ❑ Triggers ❑ Spirituality ❑ Problem-Solving
❑ Non-Compliance ❑ Circle of Supports
❑ Stinkin’ Thinkin’ ❑ My Action Plan

1. Story
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Not Helpful Somewhat Not Sure Helpful Extremely
Helpful Helpful

Comments/Suggestions: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Definition of Triggers
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Not Helpful Somewhat Not Sure Helpful Extremely
Helpful Helpful

Comments/Suggestions: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. Checklist
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Not Helpful Somewhat Not Sure Helpful Extremely
Helpful Helpful

Comments/Suggestions: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

OVER
 ❑ Patient ❑ Staff Member

__________________________________ ___________________________
Name Date
The Workbook was well organized.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Disagree Agree Somewhat Extremely
Disagree Agree Organized

Comments/Suggestions: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

The Workbook was easy to read.

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Disagree Agree Somewhat Extremely
Disagree Agree Organized

Comments/Suggestions: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

I believe the workbook would be helpful in assistng me to take more

control of my illness.
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Strongly Disagree Agree Somewhat Extremely
Disagree Agree Organized

Comments/Suggestions: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Some ideas to make the workbook better that I have are:

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Thank you for helping us to help you!