Substance Abuse Counseling
Substance abuse counseling case studies can be custom ordered from Paper Masters to be written by one of our psychology writers. Learn how to write a case study and assess substance abuse among family members, spouses or for individual therapy and counseling.
The following is the beginning of a Substance Abuse Counseling case study sample:
Dealing with substance abuse in today's environment is not an easy task. Throughout history substance abuse has found its way into every segment of society from the protected environments of the Victorian age to the mega technological world of the twenty first century. Probably the most prevalent substantive abuse problem in the country today, among adolescents and adults, is that of alcohol abuse. Whether or not the abuse was a result of a psychosocial problem, or the cause of the problem is significant when attempting to treat the disease. The most complex and difficult patient I encountered in the counseling practicum was that of a 69 year-old male that not only was an alcoholic but also suffered from two psychological disorders; namely depression (dysthymia) and panic. Whether or not the alcohol abuse caused the psychological disorder or vica versa was never determined. Difficulty with this particular case centered on gathering baseline clinical data (intake); maintaining a counseling program with follow-up; and sustaining the patient's sobriety needs.
The complicatedness with this patient was evident from the onset. Difficulty in gathering information via the initial clinical interview was extremely widespread. The patient was neither cooperative nor particularly verbal. Attempting to gain insight about the patient's medical, cognitive, and psychological history was laborious and oftentimes uneventful. Several sessions had to be conducted, some in an associative mode, in order to establish a baseline as to where the patient placed on a mental health continuum. Throughout the majority of clinical interview sessions the patient exhibited short term breathing problems, trembling, shaking, and, as described by the patient, "a tingling sensation in the hands and toes".
It is estimated that between 35 and 50% of substance abusers also suffer from a co-occurring mental illness such as severe anxiety, depression, paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations. This fact complicates the diagnosis of the individual in that the two disorders acting simultaneously have a range of similar effects that may mask either one of the illnesses. Today, as an example, we will consider the case of an individual who has previously been diagnosed as suffering from depression who has recently been arrested for a DWI and faces treatment options. The individual currently is not treating the depression and presents evidence that he believes that the diagnosis was incorrect. He says he feels fine most of the time, and that the arresting officer had no real reason to pull him over, but arrested him because he refused a breathalyzer. In one breath he claims he was not overly intoxicated, and in the next he admits that he had had too much to drink. Family members have answered yes to every one of the signs of addiction listed in the manual, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the APA including:
- Preoccupation with the substance between usage
- Using more of the chemical than expected, a high tolerance
- Symptoms of withdrawal
- Repeated efforts to cut back
- Inappropriate times of intoxication
- Choosing the chemical over family or social opportunities
- Continued usage despite negative consequences
Related Research Paper Topic Suggestions
Active Substance Abuser - Active Substance Abuser Research Papers look at a sample of an order placed for an assignment on a recovering substance abuser or someone who is currently a substance abuser.
Addiction Counseling - Addiction Counseling research papers look into counseling as an important component and essential part in overcoming addictions such as drug addition, alcohol addiction, sex addiction and gambling addiction.
Addiction To Prescription Medications - Addiction to Prescription Medications Research Papers examine who most commonly gets addicted and how easy it is to become addicted to prescription drugs.
Adolescent Substance Abuse - Adolescent Substance Abuse term papers on the sociological aspects of treatment and counseling for young people with Abuse issues.
Alcohol Abuse - Alcohol Abuse Research Papers discuss the affects of alcohol on the body.
Alcohol Dependency - Alcohol Dependency Research Papers look at the psychological effects of alcohol dependency.
Alcoholism - Alcoholism research papers explain alcohol abuse and its relation to drug abuse as a medical problem in America today.
Chemical and Alcohol Substance Abuse - Chemical and Alcohol Substance Abuse Research Papers look at an example of an order placed for nine essay questions, and you must analyze the key concepts.
Chronic Alcholism - Chronic Alcoholism Research Papers examine this medical condition and it's effects on the body.
Crack Baby - Crack Baby research papers can be ordered online as sample papers on the phenomenon of babies born addicted to Crack Cocaine.
Crack Baby Myth - Crack Baby Myth research papers show how recent debate over whether or not the fetus is harmed durning pregnancy when a woman takes crack cocaine.
Crack Cocaine - Crack Cocaine research papers examine the sociological issues involved in drug addiction. Your research paper will want to focus on use, abuse and statistics of crack cocaine in America.
Drug Abuse Among Youths - Drug Abuse Among Youths research papers illustrate the problems of addiction in young people in America. Paper Masters custom writes research on drug abuse and can focus your paper on the topic of drug abuse among youth. A sample research paper will help college students learn how to write a research paper.
Drug Use and Abuse Project - Drug Use and Abuse Project Research Papers look at a sample of a paper ordered for a research paper with specific guidelines and questions to be answered.
Drunk Driving - Research papers on drunk driving discuss the crime and social problem of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Ecstasy - Ecstasy Research Papers investigate whether the effects of this drug are harmful or not. Ecstasy research papers illustrate that ecstasy has often be called the perfect drug. Find out why in a custom written research paper on ecstasy, one of the most prolific social problems in society today.
Harm Reduction - Research papers on harm reduction discuss the concept which recognizes that people struggling with addiction face a battle that they themselves must overcome.
Rehabilitation Counseling - Research papers on rehabilitation counseling discuss the service that works with individuals from any age group or developmental level, and for any number of a key issues that impact a person’s overall quality of life.
Relapse Prevention Plan - Research papers on a Relapse Prevention Plan look into the important steps one must take when trying to overcome an addiction.
Seeking Counseling - Seeking Counseling Research Papers look at a personal essay written on reason why they have chosen to pursue a career in counseling.
Sex Addiction - Sex Addiction research papers look into the conceptual model used to describe individuals unable to control their sexual urges or behaviors. Research papers on sex addiction from Paper Masters illustrate that it is an under-reported psychological phenomena that is common in society.
Shopping Addiction - Shopping Addiction Research Papers look at the views of shopping addiction, and if it is considered a character flaw or disease.
Smoking While Pregnant - Research papers on smoking while pregnant discuss the health problems caused to a developing baby when a pregnant woman is exposed to cigarette smoke.
Sugar Addiction - Research papers on sugar addiction discuss how today's foods containing added sugar has created an addiction, which causes a host of illnesses if not under control.
Teen Counseling - Research papers on teen counseling discuss the service designed to address the issues that are of particular importance to teenagers, helping them to successfully traverse the minefields that can be found in the school, home, and public environments.
Theories and Counseling - Theories and Counseling Research Papers look at an example of a psychology paper order, that wants different theories and your own basic values included in the research.
Women and Substance Abuse - Women and Substance Abuse Research Papers illustrate the affects of alcohol and drugs on women.