Psychotherapeutic Programme for Patients Misusing Steroids

Our dedicated programme aims to support people who have been using anabolic steroids without medical advice and are at risk of developing (or have already developed) addiction. It’s a 20-hour programme delivered by two psychologists specialised in addictions with more than 10 years of clinical experience. The steroid misuse programme consists of initial comprehensive assessment; one to one sessions focused on understanding the underlying issues of the problem; sessions with significant others focused on strengthening the support network; and therapeutic workshops focused on psychoeducation and relapse prevention.

The programme has a flexible structure, to enable little or no interference with work, study or family life. The frequency of the sessions will be agreed with the patient and the significant others who will support them on their recovery journey.

Initial Comprehensive Assessment

• Intake

• Medical Consultation with a consultant psychiatrist

• Psychosocial assessment

Sessions topics

• Introduce therapeutic programme and set treatment goals

• Understand substance use history and patterns

• Identify harmful effects of substance use

• Understand significant others’ fears and concerns

• Relationship between self-image and self-esteem

• Discuss positive and negative aspects of using / not using anabolic steroids

• Explore the impact of substance on the family dynamics

• Understand recovery and upcoming challenges

• Reinforce motivation for change and the need to develop a relapse prevention plan

Workshops topics:

• What is addiction?

• Relapse Prevention

• Steroids and health

• Cycle of change

• Life balance and recovery plan

During the final session of the steroid misuse programme, we will offer patients and their significant others a follow-up plan based on their progress. This could include individual or family sessions on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis.

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