"If the only tool you have is a hammer,

everything looks like a nail..."  While my work generally involves services provided to the most severe substance use cases, I am regularly reminded that the number one task regardless of severity is ENGAGEMENT; the principle behind Client Directed Outcome Informed and Motivational Interviewing, and the necessary ingredient in all therapies.  The following link takes you to a NY Times article that speaks more broadly to this point as it relates to the misuse of alcohol.      

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/opinion/cold-turkey-isnt-the-only-route.html?_r=0 

 

I have never encountered a client that was not more complex than any program or diagnoses applied.