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Description
This Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) took place at Enrich, a nonprofit in Richmond, Kentucky, that supports individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The primary ACOTE focus area was program development. The goal was to design a sustainable Lifestyle Redesign (LRD)-informed program to help men in recovery build healthy routines, navigate life transitions, and engage in meaningful activities. Additional goals included educating staff on occupational therapy’s (OT) role and integrating LRD principles into existing services. A needs assessment—including observations, a review of Enrich’s sober living objectives, and four interviews with individuals in recovery—revealed disruptions in daily routines, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. A literature review highlighted limited OT-led programs for this population, signaling a gap in addressing daily participation and structure within recovery settings. In response, a 10-session program was developed using LRD principles, with detailed session outlines and a checklist to ensure consistency and sustainability. Program activities were also adapted for use at the Drop-In Center. Additional deliverables included educational materials for staff and outreach at a community needs fair. Leadership was demonstrated through program advocacy, education, and community engagement. This Capstone advanced OT by applying core occupational science principles to a traditionally underserved population, promoting meaningful engagement as part of recovery. Emerging needs were identified and addressed, contributing to the development of my confidence, clinical reasoning, and program design skills as a future occupational therapist. The resulting program supports occupational participation and holistic recovery for individuals with SUD while filling gaps identified in the needs assessment and literature.
Graduation Date
2025
Keywords
Lifestyle Redesign®, Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Occupational Therapy, Program Development, SUD Recovery, Community-Based Practice
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Document Type
Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Site Mentor
Laura Helvey
Comments
Link to presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-APRDABXg74