Page 29 - MELD Stimulant service

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Client B is and did not have a preference for an appointment time due to her
current availability. All therapy treatments were discussed and explained and
Auricular Acupuncture was chosen by this participant. It was obvious from early
interactions that Client B was anxious. She had difficulty making eye contact and
found it initially difficult to identify emotions to express how she was feeling.
In contrast, she was able to identify concerns for her physical health, due to
a number of hospital admissions due to a racing heart issue which was under
diagnosis and put under more stress by on-going cocaine use. Client B was able
to link her cocaine use to potential health issues but felt reducing or stopping
was not viable long term since her boyfriend was also a cocaine user and they
used together. Over the initial sessions, information was given to Client B so
that she could pass this onto her boyfriend in the event that he should decide
that he wanted to address his own drug use. Over the duration of sessions
Client B reported increased relaxation and improved sleep and it was clear to
see that her self-esteem and confidence was increasing. She was able to express
herself more and engage in positive conversations. In week 4, she informed
the service that her boyfriend was willing to participate in sessions with her,
as he was now trying to stop his own cocaine use. This was in part due to him
worrying about her health and his desire to support her.

Client B Quotes

“I feel like I don’t have to talk a lot here which
I like, as I get anxious and don’t know how to
explain how I feel.”

“I get a brilliant sleep after being here and that
makes me feel I can cope a lot better.”

“I feel more hopeful that I can stay away from
cocaine, as I know it’s not good for my heart.”

Outcomes:
• Anxiety reduced and sleep pattern improved

• Self-worth and confidence levels increased
• Partner engaged in the complementary therapy project

• Partner was referred for Advocacy Support

• Client B and her partner have been abstinent from cocaine use for last 4 weeks
• Client B’s partner contemplating a referral to MELD for support to reduce his
cannabis use.