Overview of Session 4: Skill Topic 2, Understanding Marijuana Use Patterns
Total Time: 1 hour
Delivery Method: CBT-focused individual therapy
Materials (all forms except form 1A, which is in Section V, are at the end of this section):
• Marijuana Use Self-Awareness Record (form 4A)
• Learning New Coping Strategies (form 1A)
• Future-Self Letter (form 4B)
• Pleasant Activities (form 4C)
• Relaxation Training (form 4D)
• Boredom Management (form 4E)
Goals for This Session:
• To introduce the client to the reasoning behind coping skills training
• To examine the client’s high-risk situations and coping strategies
Session Outline:
1. Explore the development of addictive patterns
• Give examples of how marijuana can change how one feels; ask client how these examples fit with his or her experience
• Give examples of environmental triggers for use; ask client for other triggers he or she has experienced
• Give examples of beliefs or automatic thoughts people may have about marijuana; use examples provided by the client; and ask the client for more examples
• Suggest that the client start the process of change by understanding his or her behavior; ask, Does this make sense to you?
2. Assess high-risk situations
• Ask client about
— Typical use situations (places, people, activities, time, days)
— Triggers for use
— A recent use situation
— Thoughts and feelings at use times (tense, bored, stressed, etc.)
• Complete Marijuana Use Self-Awareness Record (form 4A) and summarize the list
3. Build coping strategies
• Emphasize the importance of coping strategies
• Reintroduce Learning New Coping Strategies (form 1A)
• Ask client to identify strategies he or she has tried and those that might work best
4. Assign between-session exercises
• Give client a blank copy of the Marijuana Use Self-Awareness Record (form 4A) to document episodes of craving/desire between sessions
• Choose additional assignments based on the client’s current needs
— Writing a Future-Self Letter (form 4B)
— Pleasant Activities (form 4C)
— Relaxation Training (form 4D)
— Boredom Management (form 4E)
5. Review and conclude session