Substance Abuse: A Case Study

Substance abuse is an issue many people underestimate. Some are in denial of being an drug or alcohol addict. First things first, one must admit to their issue, in order for them to seek the proper treatment. Once the individual admits to their addiction. Next step is to seek help. Whether it may be from a treatment facility, family based prevention and intervention program, cultural healing, or community and school based program. Regardless of the method they choose. There may be barriers preventing the individual from getting the proper treatment, depending on the treatment plan.

Edward is an approximately 30 yo Caucasian male who lives in California. Edward presented in the interview as relaxed and confident, sitting with his arm stretched over the couch. Edward stated his main goal today was in the spirit of helping others by telling his prescription substance use disorder story.

At our time touring CeDAR, we were introduced to the CeDAR Family Program. This week-long program allows for the family members of an individual undergoing substance abuse treatment to learn about addiction and how to better deal with their loved one’s illness. They are also given tools for their own coping and recovery. According to the CeDAR website “research shows participation in our addiction family support program helps increase overall recovery rates” (Family Services: CeDAR, 2016, paragraph 4).

Substance abuse remains a large problem in the United States (US). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), substance abuse continues to take a large toll on individuals, families, and communities nationwide. In 2005, an estimated 22 million people were struggling with drug and alcohol abuse in the US. Substance abuse disrupts families, impacts work and school productivity, causes financial problems, and is related to domestic violence, child abuse, and crime (USDHHS, 2015).

Mr. Greene is a fifty-one-year-old black male, who started using crack- cocaine at thirty-two-years-old and is now twelve years clean. Bryan Sapp was a twenty-year-old white male that died of a heroin overdose whose addiction started at age twelve. Addiction does not discriminate. There are several different causes of addiction, lack of purpose, stress caused by trauma, unmet needs, and boredom are some of them (Rosen 23). On an average 40-60% of people struggling with addiction relapse. There are several different types of rehabilitations for addiction but, there is no cure. In our over medicated society that has led us to this war against addiction, alternative medications are not the alternative therapy to addiction.

In 2015, there were 428,000 children in foster care (Kids count, 2018). The average age of a child, entering the foster care system is 7.4 years. In 2014, more than half the children entering the foster care system in the United States where children of color. On average, children entering the foster care system remain in the system for two years, but seven percent stay in the system for five or more years. Fourteen percent of the children entering the system live in a foster home or group homes. In 2014, more than 107,000 children in foster care were waiting to be adopted (Children’s Bureau, 2014).

James is a twenty-year-old male who was referred to me after an emergency room visit. James had experienced shaking, sweating, chest pain, and inability to breathe; he went to the emergency room because he was afraid he was having a heart attack (The Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, 2002). After exchanging pleasantries, I began an intake interview with James. I found that he was forthcoming with his life history. He was raised in a lower middle class family and was the youngest of two children (The Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, 2002). His most vivid childhood memories included violent domestic conflicts between his mother and father, which caused disruption in his daily living. James also admitted his father was a substance user and often came home intoxicated. Subsequently, his father abandoned his family and went to prison for assault and drug charges and James has no contact with him in

On 08/12/15, Mr. Harrison’s mother reported that Mr. Harrison was not living at his reported address (104 Hudson St, Clayton DE 19938). Mr. Harrison mother stated that Mr. Harrison is living in Wilmington, DE with a friend. She could not confirm the address. Mr. Harrison has failed to report his new address with 72 hours.

Mr. Landaverde reported that he does not have any medical illnesses and has not been prescribed any medications. Mr. Landaverde reported that he went to the doctor in August 2016 for a regular checkup. Mr. Landaverde stated that he normally goes to the doctor every six months. Mr. Landaverde reported that he has never been hospitalized in the past. Mr. Landaverde reported that he does not have any emotional or psychiatric problems. Mr. Landaverde stated that he has never been to counseling. He stated to the best of his recollections, neither one of his parents have ever suffered from a substance related disorder.

Pt. was admitted to the AMS of DE program suffering from opiate addiction with two previous outpatient treatment services. Pt. reported that he started using heroin in 2000 on a daily basis by route of IV and he last used in 2008. Pt. reported a substance abuse hx of alcohol x 33 years, opiates x 8 years, benzos x 20 years, cocaine x 21 years, nicotine x 23 years. PCP x 21 years and cannabis x 23 years. At the time of his discharge, Pt. lost his job and he was living with his

“Catherine” is a 31 year old, divorced female who is currently employed as a receptionist at a local human service organization. Last week, she began a treatment program for alcohol and cocaine dependency. Catherine lives with her 5 year-old daughter, “Joy,” in a home near her place of work. Despite little earnings from her job, she has managed to take care of herself and her daughter without monetary support from Joy’s father. Catherine was married to Joy’s father when she was 25 years old, but they divorced after he started abusing her physically. Joy’s father was an alcoholic, a condition that contributed towards the demise of their marriage. Catherine has not had contact with her former husband since they ended the marriage. Catherine’s mother, a widow, has been of great support. Catherine’s cousins, “Jane” and “Cynthia,” have also been of great help. Catherine stated that Jane and Cynthia, are the only family she feels she can depend on. Catherine is the eldest of four children.

One day when Wes was chasing his sister, Nikki, he finally caught her and didn’t know what to do, so he punched her. This angered his mother, Joy, because her first husband was a violent alcoholic who used to beat her when he was drunk. Wes explains that he has two memories about his father, the first of which was when his father talked to him about hitting his sister and the second was when he died. Wes’s father wasn’t feeling well one day, so he got taken to the hospital. The doctors didn’t know what was causing his symptoms, so they sent him home and told him to rest. He ended up having acute epiglottis and died that night. The death of Wes’s father was very hard for Wes because he became the man of the house at a very young age.

A person with a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder has many viable options for treatment. Pharmacological options won’t cure the alcohol use disorder, but may help decrease the urge to consume alcohol. Inpatient rehabilitation treatment centers are an option as in the movie 28 Days. There is also outpatient therapy along with support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcohol and opiate abuse is often collectively referred to as substance abuse. Addiction to alcohol and opiates can have debilitating effects on individuals, their families, and the society. Although there is significant awareness of repercussions related to substance abuse, this problem persists in the United States (U.S.). Primary care providers (PCP) can treat alcohol abuse management and with additional training they can also treat opiate abuse (Uphold & Graham, 2013).

This essay is based on a client Ibrahim (30 year old, male) who is currently living with his three siblings with their biological father and step mother. The client has a history of juvenile delinquency with outrageous behavior. Due the suspensions from the school, he has a low academic performance. Currently, he is jobless due to abusing drugs and low academic performance, which made him feel depressed. The purpose of the essay is to evaluate the clients’ problems with the help of consistency theory and understand the possible neurological underpinnings that may have occurred in his brain. Also recommend possible interventions that are most fitting for client.