Which intervention should a nurse teach clients recovering from substance abuse to help them gain insight into their denial?

Teaching clients to question why they feel threatened is a crucial intervention in helping them gain insight into their denial regarding substance abuse. This reflective process encourages individuals to explore their emotions and thoughts, which can lead to increased self-awareness. By recognizing and addressing the fears or insecurities that trigger their denial, clients can begin to confront the underlying issues related to their addiction. This approach fosters openness and can encourage clients to acknowledge their substance use and its impact on their lives, which is essential for recovery.

In contrast, while teaching realistic expectations, meditation techniques, and alternative coping strategies are valuable components of recovery, they do not specifically target the denial aspect as directly as questioning feelings of threat does. Setting realistic expectations can help manage future challenges, meditation techniques can promote overall well-being, and alternative coping strategies are essential for developing healthier habits, but they do not necessarily facilitate the insight required to confront denial. Focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects of denial provides a firmer foundation for clients to understand and accept their situation, which is critical for making meaningful progress in recovery.