Review the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive responding. Key Interventions Assess Cocaine Availability Therapists and patients together should assess the current availability of cocaine and formulate strategies to limit that availability. In particular, therapists should examine whether patients are involved in selling cocaine, the nature of their cocaine sources, and whether other individuals in their home or workplace use cocaine. Determining the steps patients have already taken toward reducing cocaine availability may be an invaluable index of their internal and external resources. It is virtually impossible for an individual to continue to sell cocaine and not use it.
Therapists can make some useful inquiries.
The last few times you used, you said Tommy came to your house and suggested you take a drive. In spite of its illicit nature, cocaine may be offered by a range of individuals - friends, coworkers, dealers, and even family members. Therapists should review the patients' suppliers and explore strategies for reducing contact with them. In some cases, a clear and assertive refusal, followed by a statement that the patient has decided to stop and a request that cocaine no longer be offered, can be surprisingly effective. In other cases, patients can arrange to avoid any contact with particular users or suppliers.