Substance Use Disorders: A Case Study

According to the Diagnostic Statistic Manual 5 (DSM-5) substance use disorder is when the individual has a dependency on alcohol or drug, followed by penetrating craving and antisocial behavior to acquire the substance. The terms substance abuse and substance dependence refer to substance use disorder, which has been separated into three classifications as follows

Let’s start with alcohol. Alcohol fits in the category of a depressant. Depressants are drugs, such as alcohol, that reduces neural activity and slow body functions. Many people confuse alcohol as a stimulant because it can cause people to act more hyper but low amounts of alcohol relaxes the drinker by slowing the nervous system activity. Larger amounts of

Abuse and SUD can be separated by categories. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), define substance use disorders that are mild, moderate, or severe. It is within these levels that certain criteria’s are meet Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically and functionally significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home (“Substance use disorder”, 2015). Other determining factors that define substance use disorder in the DSM-5 manual is the impaired control, social impairment,

Substance use disorder is characterized by: the use of a mood or behavior altering substance in a maladaptive pattern resulting in significant impairment or distress, such as

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).

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).

Substance disorder is when a person is in the need of some kind of substance, such as alcohol or other drugs, to be able to function. Many are addicted to one or more substance which leads to clinically significant impairments or distress. If stop taking that certain substance could cause to withdraws.

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.

After reading through the biological approaches section in chapter 8, it became glaringly obvious what works and what does not work. When talking about the treatment of substance use disorders, detoxification is extremely important, but that seems to be only part of the solution. Chemical cravings to drugs and alcohol seem to be overwhelming and almost impossible to do by oneself, and the use of professional help seems almost necessary.

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.

For nearly a century, depressants have been used to reduce anxiety, induce sleep and relieve stress in people. While alcohol is the most commonly used depressant,

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