Healthcare professionals and partners

A brief introduction to the concept of node link mapping and the possible benefits of using this technique when working with clients with drug problems.

Chapter one (Full)

Map 01: Node-link mapping

Map 02: Three ways of using node-link maps

Map 03: Three ways of using node-link maps

Map 04: Exploring self

Map 05: Three ways of using node-link maps

Map 06: Benefits of maps

Mapping can be used to help the prisoner understand the range of treatment services available within the criminal justice drug treatment system.

Two examples of knowledge maps are included, but each worker may wish to develop their own maps to support their work.

Chapter two (full)

Map 01: Drug treatment in prison

Map 02: Drug treatment in prison

The use of node-link mapping during the assessment process helps to structure the process while also focusing on building therapeutic alliance. Maps can ensure that the process is more collaborative, while also helping the worker in the completion of compulsory paperwork.

These maps are useful to break the ice and to build a therapeutic alliance. The map entitled 'progress report' can be completed from casenotes before the first contact and then shown to the client. This demonstrates to the client that the worker is interested in them as a person, and prevents repetition of questions.

Other maps are available to download, including a series linked to the CSMA. Workers may also wish to develop their own maps tailored to particular information gathering needs.

Chapter three (Full)

Map 01: Me today

Map 02: My drug use

Map 03: Drug use - the pros and cons

Map 04: My strengths

Map 05: My health

Map 06: My emotions

Map 07: Progress report

Map 08: Drug use - then and now

The maps presented in this section can help to ensure that the care plan is holistic and client-led, and that goals set as part of the process are achievable and realistic.

Reinforcing the achievement of a goal with praise and encouragement can help to build a strong therapeutic relationship, and instill optimism in the client.

More detail about the approach to care planning presented here can be found in the Routes to Recovery Manual Part 4.

Chapter four (full)

Map 01: Instructions

Map 02: Goal planner

Map 03: Goal planner rating sheet

Map 04: Care plan

Map 05: Care plan goals

Map 06: Things I would like to change

Map 07: Care plan update

Map 08: When things go wrong

Knowledge maps can be used to structure discussions about harm reduction issues, while providing a useful reminder for the client to take away from the session.

By ticking the small box in each section when the topic is discussed, both worker and client have a reminder of what has been discussed.

These maps can be supplemented by other written materials.

Chapter five (full)

Map 01: Crack cocaine

Map 02: Powder cocaine

Map 03: Injecting

Map 04: Hepatitis

Map 05: HIV

Map 06: Overdose

Map 07: Useful tips

Map 08: Crack and other drugs

These maps may be of use when planning family visits, or for discharge planning from prison

Chapter six (full) 

Map 01: Explore concerns

Map 02: Example of information for families

Map 03: Types of coping

Map 04: How do I cope?

Map 05: Exploring and enhancing social support

Map 06: Finding further help

Map 07: Family issues to consider

Map 08: My social network

Map 09: My network support plan

Map 10: Risks to children at home

Maps from other sections that may be useful include:

• Progress report (chapter 3)
• Care plan update (chapter 4)
• Overdose (chapter 5)
• Network support plan (chapter 6)
• Risks to children at home (chapter 6)

Chapter seven (full)

Map 01: Relapse prevention

Map 02: Exploring your substance use

Map 03: Planning for the future

Map 04: How can I deal with my cravings?

Map 05: My lapse plan

Map 06: Goals on release

Map 07: The changes I want to make

Map 08: Learning from the past

The following knowledge maps may help support prescribing in prison or on release. They should be used in conjunction with prison prescribing guidelines.

Chapter eight (full)

Map 01: Methadone

Map 02: Buprenorphine

Map 03: The opioid withdrawal syndrome

Map 04: The opioid withdrawal syndrome