A cognitive formulation of substance misuse based on Beck et al.'s (1993) model. Maps the pathway from early experiences through beliefs and automatic thoughts to substance use and its maintaining cycle.
Substance Misuse Formulation
PreviewWhat life experiences contributed to the development of substance use?
Relevant early experiences
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What fundamental beliefs about self, others, and the world developed from these experiences?
Beliefs about self
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Beliefs about substances
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What conditional rules link beliefs to behaviour?
Rules and assumptions about substance use
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What triggers the substance use cycle?
Typical activating situation
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What thoughts arise in response to the activating situation?
Automatic thoughts
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What thoughts give permission to use?
Permission-giving beliefs
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How do urges and cravings manifest?
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What beliefs facilitate the final step to use?
Facilitating beliefs
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Substance use (what happens)
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How does continued use maintain the problem?
Short-term relief or reward
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Longer-term consequences that maintain the cycle
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What resources, strengths, and supports might help in recovery?
Protective factors
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Strengths & resources
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Explore the triggers, thoughts, feelings, and consequences associated with substance use to understand its function in your life.
Weigh up the pros and cons of continuing to use substances versus making a change. A core motivational interviewing technique.
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