Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. This study provides a foundation for the use of an occupation-based outcome measure in conjunction with a strengths-based approach for use with persons with a diagnosed substance abuse disorder (SUD). Eighteen participants were assessed in a forensic residential treatment facility to explore the utility of the Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview and Rating Scale. Participants also took the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths to assess character strengths. Primary Author and Speaker: Jeffrey Sargent Additional Authors and Speakers: Kristin Valdes

Date Presented 04/13/21 Studies on sensation-seeking behavior appear in both psychology and OT literature, although it is unclear if these disciplines are measuring related constructs. This study sought to calculate the degree of correlation between these constructs and determine the relationship among sensation seeking, age, and substance use. The results provide a basis for improved communication between disciplines regarding the discussion of sensation-seeking behaviors. Primary Author and Speaker: Emily Schuette Additional Authors and Speakers: Lorrie George-Paschal, Brittany Womack

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the characteristics and features of substance abuse interventions for women in North America and discuss the findings from an occupational perspective. METHOD. A scoping review was conducted to examine North American peer-reviewed literature published between 2001 and 2014. Four databases were searched using terms related to intervention, substance abuse, and women only. Descriptive statistics of categorical groupings were used to describe the data sources and characteristics and features of the interventions. RESULTS. Forty-two articles met the inclusion criteria, with the majority citing a harm-reduction approach and using multifaceted interventions with various targets for change. CONCLUSION. Substance abuse interventions for women are typically multifaceted and follow a harm-reduction philosophy. Further research into the efficacy of interventions that more specifically target occupation beyond substance use is needed.

An interdisciplinary evidence-based review of interventions among persons with substance-use disorders was completed in 2001 as part of American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA’s) Evidence-Based Literature Review Project (Lieberman & Scheer, 2002). Four effective interventions for adults and adolescents with substance use were identified, including brief interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational strategies, and 12-step programs. The research studies reviewed reported outcomes primarily related to reduction in alcohol and drug use. Occupational therapy interventions grounded in current evidence-based literature are suggested. Interventions are modified to include an occupational perspective leading to outcomes consistent with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2002). Study findings propose research questions to encourage further investigation of the effectiveness of these best practice interventions.