Challenging Behaviors in People with Addiction

Challenging Behaviors in People with Addiction

Target Group:

General population / Experts from the medical, psycho-social or nursing field, especially those who already have basic knowledge in the field of addiction and/​or dealing with older or addicted individuals.

Description:

Challenging behavior is common in individuals with addiction disorders and poses particular challenges for pro­fes­sion­als and family members. This advanced training deepens the under­stand­ing of the interplay of psy­cho­log­i­cal, social and physical factors that cause such behavior, and provides practical approaches to pro­fes­sion­al handling. In addition to dealing with various, specific behaviors, general pos­si­bil­i­ties for deesca­la­tion and com­mu­ni­ca­tion are discussed.

This module builds on the ​“Addiction in Old Age” training, but can also be attended inde­pen­dent­ly.

Content:

• Forms and expressions of challenging behavior in addiction disorders
• Causes: psy­cho­log­i­cal, social and neu­ro­bi­o­log­i­cal backgrounds
• Practical methods for deesca­la­tion and dealing with aggression, refusal, and withdrawal
• Con­ver­sa­tion strategies in difficult situations
• Reflection of one’s own attitude and boundaries in a pro­fes­sion­al context
• Inter­dis­ci­pli­nary cooperation and support networks

Objectives:

The advanced training strengthens the ability to act in dealing with challenging behavior in individuals with addiction disorders. Par­tic­i­pants learn to better categorize behaviors, respond adequately, and initiate appropriate support measures if needed. At the same time, it promotes a reflective, empathetic attitude towards those affected and supports pro­fes­sion­als in maintaining their own mental health.