This essay is based on the Therapeutic Journeys: Alcohol and Drug Counseling Skills. The first section summarizes the situation of Mary Jane and constructs the diagnosis of the condition while the second part of the essay explains the diagnosis. The author explores support from the diagnostic and statistical manual endorsed by the American Psychological Association offering clinical findings and scientific experimentation to describe significant disorders. For Mary Jane’s case, normal variations within the DSM -5 will be identified. They are disturbance, dysfunctional characteristics, signs of distress or disability and instances of deviance. Finally, additional information will be provided to tailor an assessment, treatment, and well-being of Mary Jane. The conclusion will provide recommendations and way forward for Mary Jane.
Mary Jane is a young woman who has not interacted with a counselor before to obtain support for her substance addiction. Jane has struggled to stop smoking substantial amounts of cannabis. She is 28 years old and began heavy smoking at the age of 18 when she also first began to consume alcohol during weekend meetings with her schoolmates. The habit intensified as soon as Mary was unable to relax or have a proper night of sleep during university. Jane experiences anxiety, which she identified as a contributor to her need for substances that calm her during stressful periods. Three months ago, Jane began experiencing episodes of paranoia, palpitations, and panic attacks after smoking cannabis. It was at this point that she realized that she required assistance to reduce her intake of marijuana despite her feelings of discomfort when sober. Mary needs to improve her concentration skills and enforce her relationship with her boyfriend of five years who recommends that she abstains from substance abuse and work ethic. Mary’s boyfriend and all his friends are heavy smokers of cannabis. He also finds the self - confidence to discuss matters regarding their relationship when under the influence of the drug in comparison to his withdrawn and shy demeanor during episodes of sobriety.
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Jane’s pattern of use for cannabis increased every night she smoked marijuana in university with her roommate, which was opposite to her random weekend smoking pattern in high school. Mary prefers relating to her boyfriend and others who are under the influence of the drug and sometimes smokes up to six cones within a 12 hour period. That often occurs often during weekdays when Jane is required to sufficiently rest for work, which she has difficulty attending on time, which is a sign of distress. Her supervisor is approachable and kind, which led him to point out her reduced performance at her workplace and expressed concern about her ability to improve her performance and innovative skills, deviating from her normal traits.
The counselor assisting Mary Jane spoke to her a week later after her first session and after an initial assessment recommended a plan that would be acceptable to Mary before taking active steps that will manage the substance problem. The potential roadblocks that could affect treatment are essential to evaluate because Mary has identified cannabis as a dominant part of her life. The severity of the need for substances is high in this case, and depression could occur if drastic variations in consumption of drugs.
Mary’s responsiveness to light therapy is above average, and her consistency helps the counselor narrow down on her state of mind depending on her posture, tone of voice and grooming. Mary is not melancholy and has an optimistic view on the need for support although she needs to improve her diet and hypersomnia without resorting to substances to promote consumption. To prevent seasonal disorders of depression, Jane may need to take up alternative activities that supplement the counseling services that are underway. These self – help activities under sports and recreation have a positive effect on most patients and can aid Mary Jane in observing her improved physical and mental health status. Cannabis has helped Mary Jane find a definite sense of humor towards matters that would initially appear unusual to her and increased her confidence levels. She has also managed to interact with people better while under the influence of cannabis. Therefore, alternative activities that should be identified must have a similar or higher level of satisfaction for Mary. The ideal starting point should, thus, be in other activities that Mary categorizes as enjoyable and fulfilling.
In a study of over 3000 patients, the 12-Step and the cognitive-behavioral model was useful because it showed patients improve after admission and follow-up services were provided for one year despite the fact that patients are highly likely to practice healthy habits during the first year of support (Ouimette & Moos, 1997). The form of treatment for patients who wish to stop substance abuse and relapses is ideal and supported by the APA. Family support is especially vital for individuals such as Jane, who can obtain regular and reliable support during their healing journey and recovery period which can take years to complete. The patience of both parties will ensure that the social and professional support linkages remain steadfast regardless of time or unanticipated events that are likely to arise. For example, the loss or departure of family members and friends can make cognitive behavioral therapy a less efficient means of addiction treatment. Individual oriented treatment would be ideal in this case because it will empower Mary Jane independently overcome unique challenges as they arise.
One ideal form of treatment is enabling individuals to transform their lives, and behavior through life story approaches. Experiences are shared by patients and provide insight as to how social environments contribute to the sense of belonging and motivation for people who wish to make meaningful changes to younger and vulnerable men and women within communities. This method of treatment was employed in Greece and found that if psychologists and therapists help patients have a sense of self-identity and acceptance; individuals undergoing therapy have a higher level of resilience (Flora & Stalikas, 2012).
Women are perceived to have a higher level of strength to actively engage in treatment in comparison to men within the same environment who often relapse. Findings on specific factors that increase the effectiveness of treatment based on gender also show that treatment for women with anxiety and eating disorders improves when attention is provided during the treatment period (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2009). Patients such as Mary Jane are prone to mood disorders as well and must receive informed attention from professionals to unearth any trauma that affects the success of treatment and prevent triggers that lead to further difficulties during treatment. The variables that affect the willingness of patients to participate in support groups and receive treatment are involving. These determinants often affected by the cultural and societal norms that influence substance use development, which caused substance abuse.
More research supported by empirical details is needed to understand how these social influences can be managed for each individual. For example, social or demographic factors such as age, race, educational background and relationship status tend to go together in cases of positive attitudes towards private support provided by therapists. For patients whose characteristics categorize them to be in DSM Axis one or two, multiple disorders are likely to occur simultaneously (Haller & Miles, 2004).
References
Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. Guilford Press.
Ouimette, P. C., Finney, J. W., & Moos, R. H. (1997). Twelve-step and cognitive-behavioral treatment for substance abuse: A comparison of treatment effectiveness. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 65(2), 230.
Flora, K., & Stalikas, A. (2012). Factors affecting substance abuse treatment in Greece and their course during therapy. Addictive behaviors, 37(12), 1358-1364.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2009). Substance Abuse Treatment for Women.
Haller, D. L., & Miles, D. R. (2004). Psychopathology is associated with completion of residential treatment in drug dependent women. Journal of addictive diseases, 23(1), 17-28.
