Transcript Zinberg Triangle

“The most common outcome of chemical dependency
treatment is relapse. Continued abstinence, even after
only 2 years is the exception (Hester & Miller, 1995; Peele
1991).”
Remember the Zinberg Triangle
SETTING
DRUG
SET
Remember the Zinberg Triangle
• Drug—the substance itself, its
pharmacological properties, its chemistry
(this causes this, when placed into a 150
lb. body)
– What is cut in with it?
– Route of administration
“pharmacological determinism-the tendency to put all of our
treatment efforts in approaching clients with over-investments in
the power of the substances themselves (demonizing particular
drugs over another often leads to “demonizing clients more than
others” (example they are only a prescription addict vs. a “fullblown heroin addict)
Set
• Set-what is the expectation, especially
unconscious expectation (effects how a
150 lb. person reacts to a drug)
– The person using the drug
– Motivation for using
– person’s unique personality traits
– Whatever coping deficits the person might
have
Setting
• Setting-environment-physical, social, cultural (is
150 lb. person shooting up in a restroom stall or
taking Percocets during break at work in an
office setting
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Stressors
Use alone or with others
Can person take dose timely or hurried
Legality of the substance
Societal attitudes toward the substance
Culture values or rituals client was reared
Is current culture similar or opposed to original values