Substance Abuse Case Study

On Saturday May 19, 2018 at approximately 3:50 p.m. I observed a yellow Ford Escape traveling north on U.S. 19 approaching Grand Blvd bearing what appeared to be an expired tag of BFZW56 dating 06-2017. A check of FCIC / NCIC confirmed the tag was expired as of 06/22/17.

Behavior/ Living situation: Youth is currently at the youth Detention Center in Union County. Youth was arrested on 12/1/16 with possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance. Youth reported that he wants to come home and be with his family. Ms. Moore stated that she does not want youth to come home due to safety concerns. Ms. Moore wants to move to a safer community before youth can come home. Ms. Moore stated that youth’s grandmother house is not suitable for youth to live due to the community and safety concerns. CM discussed residential substance abuse programs with youth and youth is not in agreement to residential programs.

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).

The client is an 18-year-old African American female presented to Norfolk State University Substance Abuse Center after a positive urine test for cocaine and marijuana. The client tested positive for both psychoactive drugs during a mandatory routine screening administered by her employer at a local grocery store. She indicated smoking marijuana (pot) every day and uses cocaine typically on the weekend. However, the client has an increase tolerance level of cocaine as evidence by her stating she is using "more and more cocaine to maintain the same effect. She reported in the past snorting only one line of cocaine, but this has increased to five lines of cocaine in the last past 12 months. In addition, she stated she occasionally smokes a couple

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).

I work for a residential substance abuse program for adolescents as a counselor and outreach coordinator. I work with clients who are coming in for treatment as well as their family members. our clients come from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Ronny is a 46-year-old white male who present to CRU from RRC-W on ACOT for PAD. He was amended by his OP clinic, Life Behavioral Wellness, for not complying with the terms of the order and treatment plan. Per collateral, Ronny has a hx of violent behavior including pulling knives on people and stabbing. According to his OP psychiatrist, Diana Havill, MD, Ronny pulled a knife on a pregnant woman. He also have a history of self-harm including attempted hanging. Patient is cooperative during admission, and answered all questions. He has a PMH of HTN, Asthma, TB, seizures, and Brain surgery (infant). His vital signs were WNLs. Patient will benefit from medication

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).

In a quiet community like Thornton, Colorado (CO), people are often reluctant to discuss important issues that affect the area's residents. No one likes to talk about drug abuse an addiction, but the fact remains Thornton is not immune from such problems, especially considering its close proximity (12 miles North) to a large city like Denver.

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.

“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.

Substance abuse in America has gone to lengths such as reaching the rural Appalachian culture in West Virginia. Despite the Nationwide crisis and epidemic of 23 million individuals using, misusing and abusing substances West Virginia is currently unable to say that they are safe and that they have not been affected by this epidemic (Carpenter, Mcclellan, & Rees, 2016). All types of drugs ranging from medication prescribed substances to street drugs have been reported in just about all areas of West Virginia and substances have been reported reaching this community that once was known as being close knitted, family orientated and inseparable. In simpler terms this means that West Virginia has now become a part of the United States

In May of 2010 I was contacted and informed that my aunt was involuntarily committed