Therapist Development Center Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Initially focusing on stopping the drug use is critical when working with a client using prescription opiates, especially in the context of personal loss. Substance use can often serve as a coping mechanism for emotional distress, including the pain stemming from grief or loss. If the client is actively using opiates, it could impair their ability to process their emotions effectively and engage in therapeutic interventions related to grief, life changes, or other issues.

Addressing substance use first helps to ensure the client's immediate well-being and safety while providing a more stable foundation for subsequent discussions about grief and other relevant emotional matters. Without first managing the substance use, any progress in therapy related to grief or other personal issues could be hindered. Therefore, prioritizing the cessation of drug use is an essential step in allowing the client to engage in a more productive therapeutic process that can address the root causes of their distress.