By: Crystal Wytenus, LPC, LCADC, NCC, ACS Jan Schlaier, EdD (c), FNP-BC Ellen Indoe, MA, CHES
Grappling with the ever-growing population of youth experiencing opioid abuse in New Jersey necessitates bold action. Is getting back to the basics of wellness and community connectedness too basic for this complex dilemma? Wellness and community connectedness are essential components for a successful recovery process in this population. The theoretical constructs of the Wraparound Model of Care while using the 8 Dimensions of Wellness from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) can be foundational to this approach. The Wraparound Model of Care “is an intensive, holistic method of engaging with individuals with complex needs so that they can live in their homes and communities and realize their hopes and dreams” (National Wraparound Initiative, 2017). The Wraparound Model of Care is a process that involves strength, community and team-based principles to support individuals in meeting their goals. SAMSHA promotes the utilization of the 8 Dimensions of Wellness for substance use treatment. The 8 Dimensions of Wellness are not bound to the notion that “wellness [is the] absence of illness or stress”, but the idea that an individual can have wellness in various aspects of their life including physical, emotional, environmental, social, intellectual, occupational, financial, and spiritual wellness (SAMSHA, 2017).
The Wraparound Model of Care, which is utilized by the Children’s System of Care in New Jersey, is a process of wrapping supports around a youth and their family so they have sustainable connections and coping skills to manage the inevitable stressors of life. The process includes building a Child and Family Team which may include formal, informal and natural supports to assist the youth and family with the challenges they are facing. The wraparound model of care promotes prevention, treatment and recovery from substance use. Regarding prevention, the process provides the opportunity for caregivers to obtain support and education, which may include parenting coaching, peer support partners, or other services for the caregivers. By supporting the caregivers in developing the skills they need, the goal is to increase the likelihood of developing appropriate bonds with their children. These bonds assist children in developing adaptive, as opposed to maladaptive, coping skills. Should there warning signs or substance use in the home- there is a team of people to go to for support and assistance to handle the situation.