Assessment 3: Help Me! Full Assessment of a Case Study
Name
Capella University
PSYC-FPX 2300
Professor’s Name
March 2024
Help Me! Full Assessment of a Case Study
Client Name: Jessica Assessment Date: 23rd, March 2024
Substance Use History
| Drug | First Use: Yes or No | Pattern of use over time? | Frequency of use in past month? | Date/Amount of most recent use? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | No | Dependent | Two times in a day | 3rd, March 2024 |
Diagnostic Criteria Checklist
| Criteria | Yes | No | Criteria | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Was the substance taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than intended? | Yes | Were important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of substance use? | Yes | ||
| Is there a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance us? | Yes | Has the substance been used recurrently in physically hazardous situations? | Yes | ||
| Was a great deal of time spent in activities necessary to obtain or use the substance, or recover from the substance? | No | Has use continued despite knowing of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is caused or exacerbated by substance use? | Yes | ||
| Have they continued to use the substance despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the substance use? | Yes | Has recurrent use of the substance resulted in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home? | Yes | ||
| Is tolerance present? | No | Is withdrawal present? | No | ||
| Is there a craving or strong desire or urge to use the substance? | Yes | ||||
| DSM-5 Diagnosis: | (TUD) Tobacco Use Disorder | DSM-5 Diagnostic Code: | F17.200 | ||
Assessment Analysis
Basis of Diagnosis
Jessica exhibits severe Tobacco Use Disorder (17.200), as she displays over five symptoms indicative of the condition.
- Physical disability: Jessica experiences difficulty performing basic tasks due to her spinal injury, such as going to the bathroom, preparing food, getting dressed, and getting out of the car.
- Dependency on substances: Jessica admits to smoking excessively as a means of coping with her situation, indicating a reliance on substances to alleviate emotional distress.
- Emotional distress: Jessica expresses feelings of hopelessness and misery, indicating emotional struggles associated with her disability and the challenges she faces on a daily basis.
- Loss of hope: Despite initially holding onto hope for a normal life or moments of happiness, Jessica feels that after two years as a paraplegic, she no longer sees any hope for improvement and feels trapped in her circumstances.
- Social isolation: Jessica may withdraw from social interactions or activities she once enjoyed due to the difficulties she faces and feelings of being unable to live the life she once dreamed of.
- Mental health concerns: Jessica’s reliance on substances and persistent feelings of hopelessness suggest potential mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Applicable Theory
A potential theoretical framework that may elucidate Jessica’s history of substance use is the biopsychosocial model, which considers various factors including biological, psychological, and social influences on addiction. In Jessica’s scenario, her spinal injury and resulting physical disability could be considered a biological factor contributing to her substance use. The chronic pain and limitations she experiences may drive her to seek relief through substances like smoking. On a psychological level, Jessica’s feelings of hopelessness, loss of dreams, and constant struggle could lead to emotional distress, potentially contributing to her substance use as a means of coping with these difficult emotions. Additionally, the social aspect of Jessica’s life may also play a role, as she may feel isolated or disconnected from others due to her disability, leading her to turn to substances for comfort or escape.
Application to Client’s Case
Jessica’s reliance on smoking to cope with her situation aligns with the biopsychosocial model of addiction. Biologically, her chronic pain and physical limitations make everyday tasks challenging, leading her to seek relief through substances. Psychologically, her feelings of hopelessness and unfulfilled dreams create emotional distress, prompting her to use substances as a coping mechanism. Socially, Jessica’s struggles may lead to isolation or disconnection from others, further reinforcing her reliance on substances for comfort or escape. Overall, the biopsychosocial model helps to understand the multifaceted nature of Jessica’s substance use, considering the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping her behavior.
Sociocultural Factors
The influence of sociocultural factors is substantial in shaping Jessica’s experience with substance use and her path to recovery. Firstly, societal attitudes towards disability can impact how Jessica perceives herself and her place in the world. In many cultures, there exists a stigma around disabilities, which may lead Jessica to feel marginalized or misunderstood. This social stigma can contribute to feelings of isolation and low self-worth, potentially driving her towards substance use as a coping mechanism to alleviate these negative emotions. Additionally, societal expectations regarding productivity and independence may exacerbate Jessica’s struggles. As a responsible member of the team prior to her injury, Jessica may feel pressure to maintain her previous level of functioning despite her disability. This pressure could lead to feelings of failure and inadequacy, further fueling her reliance on substances to cope with the stress and disappointment she experiences.
Secondly, access to support networks and resources within Jessica’s social environment can greatly impact her ability to cope with her disability and address her substance use. If Jessica has limited access to appropriate healthcare services, rehabilitation programs, or social support networks, it may hinder her recovery process. Lack of access to resources such as physical therapy, counseling, or support groups could leave Jessica feeling overwhelmed and helpless in managing her physical and emotional challenges. On the other hand, a supportive social network comprising understanding friends, family members, healthcare professionals, and community organizations can provide Jessica with the necessary encouragement, assistance, and resources to navigate her recovery journey successfully. Positive social support can help Jessica feel validated, understood, and empowered, which may reduce her reliance on substances as a coping mechanism and improve her overall well-being and quality of life. Therefore, addressing sociocultural factors such as societal attitudes and support networks is crucial in understanding and supporting Jessica’s journey towards recovery.
Motivation for Change and Relapse Prevention
Jessica’s drive to make changes originates from her longing to regain a feeling of normality and joy in her life, despite the obstacles presented by her spinal injury. Despite feeling hopeless and trapped after two years as a paraplegic, Jessica acknowledges moments where she has hoped for a normal life or even a little bit of happiness. This demonstrates her underlying desire for improvement and a better quality of life. Jessica’s recognition of her excessive smoking as a coping mechanism suggests a level of self-awareness regarding the negative impact of her substance use on her well-being. She understands that relying on substances to get through the day is not a sustainable solution and may hinder her ability to pursue the life she desires. Therefore, Jessica’s motivation for change lies in her longing for a more fulfilling existence, free from the grip of substance dependency.
In terms of relapse prevention, Jessica’s initial thoughts may revolve around finding healthier coping mechanisms to replace her reliance on smoking. Recognizing that getting high provides only temporary relief, Jessica may be open to exploring alternative strategies for managing her emotions and daily struggles. This could involve seeking professional support, such as therapy or counseling, to develop effective coping skills and address underlying emotional issues. Additionally, Jessica may benefit from building a strong support network of friends, family, and healthcare professionals who can provide encouragement, understanding, and practical assistance in times of need. By actively engaging in relapse prevention strategies and addressing the root causes of her substance use, Jessica can increase her resilience and reduce the likelihood of reverting to old habits, ultimately moving closer to her goal of a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Ethical Considerations
According to the NAADAC code of ethics, it’s imperative to prioritize Jessica’s autonomy and self-determination in addressing her substance use and recovery journey. This involves respecting her right to make decisions about her own well-being, including her choice to seek or decline treatment for her substance use (Palmer et al., 2021). Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that Jessica receives accurate information and support regarding the potential risks and benefits of substance use, as well as available treatment options. Moreover, it’s essential to maintain confidentiality and uphold Jessica’s privacy rights throughout her treatment process, safeguarding sensitive information about her substance use and personal struggles. Finally, it’s important to approach Jessica’s situation with empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity, recognizing the unique challenges she faces as a person with a disability and providing support that is tailored to her individual needs and circumstances.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is crucial in Jessica’s case, as it involves respecting her privacy regarding her substance use and personal struggles. According to ethical guidelines, counselors must maintain confidentiality unless there is an imminent threat of harm to the client or others, child or elder abuse is suspected, or legal requirements demand disclosure (Néstor et al., 2022). In Jessica’s situation, counselors must ensure that any information shared during therapy sessions remains confidential unless one of the aforementioned exceptions applies. This means that Jessica can feel safe discussing her challenges and substance use without fear of judgment or unauthorized disclosure, fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship essential for her recovery journey.
Appropriate Relationships
In the therapeutic relationship between Jessica and her therapist, it’s crucial to uphold ethical boundaries to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the counseling process. This involves refraining from dual relationships, such as engaging in personal interactions with the client beyond therapy sessions, as it can compromise the therapist’s objectivity and create conflicts of interest. Additionally, sexual relationships between therapist and client are strictly prohibited due to the power imbalance and potential for exploitation. Former connections between the therapist and client, like acquaintanceship or previous interactions, must be handled cautiously to avoid any biases or conflicts that could impact the therapeutic relationship. Upholding these ethical limitations fosters a professional and safe environment for Jessica to explore her challenges and work towards recovery without concerns of boundary violations.
PSYC 2300 Assessment 3 Help Me! Full Assessment of a Case Study References
NAADAC. (2022). Code of Ethics. Naadac.org; NAADAC.
https://www.naadac.org/code-of-ethics
Néstor, S., Carlos, P., Cristina, P., José, M. R., Ignacio, B., & Pilar, S. (2022). Tobacco use disorder and dual disorders joint statement by the Spanish Psychiatry Society and the Spanish Dual Disorders Society. Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria, 50(Supplement), 77–138. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10904289/
Palmer, A. M., Toll, B. A., Carpenter, M. J., Donny, E. C., Hatsukami, D. K., Rojewski, A. M., Smith, T. T., Sofuoglu, M., Thrul, J., & Benowitz, N. L. (2021). Reappraising choice in addiction: Novel conceptualizations and treatments for Tobacco Use Disorder. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 24(1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntab148
