Thach Ho, LCSW

Homework

All information shared with a therapist and in groups is confidential and no information will be released without your consent. During this course, it may be necessary for your therapist to communicate with other associates, such as a Community Supervision Officer (CSO). While written authorization may not be requested and prior to any discussion, you can discuss any issues with your therapist. The only report, reporting to your CSO, is your attendance. All other information remains confidential. Consent to release information is given through a written authorization as needed. Verbal consent for limited release of information may be necessary in special circumstances. Understand that there are specific and limited exceptions to this confidentiality which include the following: When there is risk of imminent danger to oneself or to another person, the therapist is ethically bound to take necessary steps to protect safety and to prevent such danger. When there is suspicion that a child or elder is being sexually or physically abused, a therapist is legally required to take steps to protect the child or elder, and to inform the proper authorities. When a valid court order is issued for the records, the therapist is bound by law to comply with requests.

Please complete Homework #1 and #2 and #3. Homework #4 is for only as needed.

Choose the questions that feel right for you. Let your answers come from the quiet place within, where truth needs no effort to be spoken. Offered with humility and kindness, your words will serve the purpose they are meant to.

Please email your homework with your full name as the subject line, and send it to thach@lifestrategieshouston.org

Homework #1: is due within the first 2-3 weeks of your attendance. Answer all questions.

  1. Tell us about you: Where you grew up, family, important life experiences or turning point, your friends, mentors or role models, hobbies or topics that you can talk endlessly, your core beliefs, values and principles, spiritual or moral perspectives, lessons you learned from and mistakes or hardships.
  2. What happened to you that brought you to this class. What has been your experience?
  3. What significant situations happened in life that have contributed you to who you are today?
  4. What is the most challenging things in life so far that you have?

Homework #2: is due 2 weeks before graduation. Answer all questions.

  1. How are you planning to live life differently and to make better decisions? 
  2. What have you learned so far that will be essential part of your values? And what are those values?
  3. If you were to live your life and no one is looking, how would you live? List all the choices that you would make differently.
  4. Anything you have learned from the classes that have stuck with you that you would like to share?

Homework #3: is required to complete before graduation. Must answer all questions.

Discharge Homework Summary
Please answer the categories below, the questions that apply to you.

Discharge Summary Checklist

(Check what applies and fill in short answers as needed. Sobriety must be maintained to graduate.)

1. Treatment Progress

  • ☐ I met some of my goals
  • ☐ I met most of my goals
  • ☐ I still need to work on my goals
    Most helpful skills/tools: ____________________
    Positive changes I notice: ___________________

2. Substance Use

  • Current cravings:
    • ☐ None
    • ☐ Mild
    • ☐ Moderate
    • ☐ Strong
      Main triggers: ___________________________________
      Confidence in staying sober (1–10): ___________________

3. Mental & Physical Health

  • Mental health now:
    • ☐ Better
    • ☐ Same
    • ☐ Worse
  • Physical health now:
    • ☐ Better
    • ☐ Same
    • ☐ Worse
      Concerns that still need support: _____________________

4. Relapse Prevention

  • Strategies I will use:
    • ☐ Calling someone
    • ☐ Leaving the situation
    • ☐ Deep breathing / grounding
    • ☐ Meetings
    • ☐ Other: _______________________________________
  • People I can reach out to: ___________________________
  • My warning signs: _________________________________

5. Support System

  • Support I have:
    • ☐ Family
    • ☐ Friends
    • ☐ Sponsor
    • ☐ Support group
  • Relationships to strengthen: ________________________
  • Relationships to limit: _____________________________
  • Meetings I plan to attend:
    • ☐ AA
    • ☐ NA
    • ☐ SMART
    • ☐ Other: ______________________________________

6. Aftercare Plan

  • Continuing care:
    • ☐ Outpatient therapy/counseling
    • ☐ IOP
    • ☐ Sober living
    • ☐ Medication management
    • ☐ Other: ______________________________________
  • Follow-up appointments scheduled:
    • ☐ Yes
    • ☐ No
      Daily routines I will keep: _________________________

7. Personal Growth & Goals

What I learned about myself: ___________________________
Goals for the next 3 months: ___________________________
Long-term goals/dreams: _____________________________

Homework #4: Complete ONLY if required by Community Supervision Department

1. Substance Use History

  • What substances have you used (alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit drugs)?
  • At what age did you first start using?
  • What is your current frequency, amount, and method of use for each substance?
  • When was your most recent use?
  • Have you ever tried to stop? If yes, what happened?

2. Patterns and Context

  • Do you typically use alone or with others?
  • Are there specific situations, people, or places that trigger your use?
  • How do you feel before, during, and after using?
  • Has your tolerance changed over time (needing more to get the same effect)?

3. Consequences and Impacts

  • Has your use affected your health (blackouts, withdrawal, medical issues)?
  • Has it caused problems in relationships, work, school, or finances?
  • Have you experienced legal problems related to drugs or alcohol?
  • Do you continue using despite negative consequences?

4. Risk and Safety

  • Have you ever driven under the influence?
  • Have you mixed substances (alcohol with other drugs, prescriptions with illicit drugs)?
  • Have you ever overdosed or needed medical attention after using?
  • Do you ever feel unable to control your use once you start?

5. Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

  • Do you experience depression, anxiety, or mood swings?
  • Do you use substances to cope with stress, sadness, or anger?
  • Have you ever had thoughts of self-harm or suicide while using or withdrawing?

6. Readiness and Motivation

  • On a scale of 1–10, how motivated are you to reduce or stop using?
  • What would be the biggest benefit of quitting or cutting back?
  • What challenges do you think you’d face in making changes?
  • Have you had support before (treatment, AA/NA, counseling)?

7. Support and Resources

  • Do you have friends or family who support your recovery?
  • Who or what in your life would motivate you to make changes?
  • Do you have stable housing and employment?
  • Are you willing to explore treatment options?