Jessica Wade has been working as an addiction practitioner at Frontline Make Change since 2022. Here she details what a typical working day looks like for her:
I work from Frontline’s Inchicore office and on a typical day, I start the day with a team check-in where we talk through what each team member’s workload is for the day ahead and go through any potential issues that may arise.
I see between 4 and 5 service users in one day for one-to-one sessions. Some of these sessions are follow-ups with clients who have been engaging with our service for a period of time, while others are initial engagements for substance use disorders.
When a client first comes in, I work together with them to put a care plan in place. This can involve exploring options and making suggestions around referral pathways such as detox, treatment, day programmes, aftercare, education, training, and counselling. There is also a lot of interagency collaboration work involved in the process and each care plan is detailed according to substance use.
ONE-TO-ONE SESSIONS
Individual sessions are critically important because they build rapport between the addiction practitioner and client that will define the course of treatment. Working with empathy, utilising active listening, and using concise communication allows the services users to be open regarding their substance use.
I utilise tools such as one-on-one discussion and talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training, Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) training, as well as SMART training when working directly with clients in one-to-one support and also during group work, with holistic approaches.
GROUP WORK
My day-to-day work also involves group work, such as the weekly SMART recovery group and the stabilisation group Connections, which Frontline runs twice a year. In the group sessions we discuss their lives, prior drug use, goals, and much more in a supported setting.
During the group sessions, honest discussion between service users allows them to learn more about substance use, mental health, and substance abuse.
Service users may relapse, requiring treatment options and referrals to medical specialist. I work with a fantastic team so when I need support in dealing with my case load, they are always on hand to help and suggest new approaches.
People come to us because we are a lifeline to them.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact us on 01 4736502 or email info@frontlinemc.ie. Our service is free and confidential.
