Name
Capella University
PSYC FPX 2300 Introduction to Addiction Theories
Prof. Name
November, 2024
What’s Wrong with a Short Assessment
Assessment Case Studies
Directions:
Daniel is a 34-year-old man whose history of substance use extends over several years. His patterns of use indicate both recreational and stress-related use, with escalating reliance on substances such as cannabis and alcohol. Recently, he has also tried cocaine, although with less frequency. His use of substances seems to be intermittent but possibly worsening and needs closer evaluation and intervention.
Client Name: Daniel
Assessment Date: 3/31/22
Substance Use History
| Drug | Pattern of Use Over Time? | Frequency of Use in the Past Month? | Date/Amount of Most Recent Use? |
| Marijuana | Yes | Several times per week | 3/30/22 – One joint |
| Cocaine | Yes | Once | 3/15/22 – Two lines |
| Alcohol | Yes | Weekend use (3-4 times) | 3/26/22 – Three drinks |
Sociocultural Factors
- Educational level- High school graduate
- Employment status: Employed full-time as a graphic designer
- Current living situation: Living alone in an apartment with sporadic contact with family.
- Current or past legal problems: No legal issues were reported.
- Family history of substance use: General family history has included alcohol use; however, there is no direct addiction problem.
- Client’s social support system: There is minimal social support; the client maintains close relationships with a few friends who do not use substances, but the client is not currently seeking professional support
Diagnostic Criteria Checklist
| Criteria | Yes | No |
| Has the client used substances more than once a week in the past month? | ✓ | |
| Does the client report a history of substance abuse or dependence? | ✓ | |
| Has the client expressed feelings of guilt or regret about their use? | ✓ | |
| Has the client attempted to reduce substance use but been unsuccessful? | ✓ | |
| Is the client engaging in substance use to cope with stress or emotional issues? | ✓ | |
| Does the client experience withdrawal symptoms when not using substances? | ✓ |
Basis of Diagnosis
The foundation of Daniel’s diagnosis is based on his self-report of usage patterns, where he has used marijuana several times weekly, less frequent cocaine use, and regular alcohol intake, especially on weekends. Such actions also fit into the diagnosis of substance use disorder as he seeks substances to cope with stress and reinforcement of usage due to social factors (Sinha, 2024). His substance use does seem to be escalating, potentially suggesting he could be dependent, but he’s not yet had withdrawal symptoms he finds distressing. Furthermore, Daniel’s admission of using substances to manage stress once again warrants the comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan that he needs.
Applicable Addictions Perspective
The applicable addiction perspective for Daniel’s substance use is rooted in the biopsychosocial model, considering the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors underlying the development and maintenance of an addiction (Alcaro et al., 2021). Daniel could have a biological predisposition toward substance use, following the neurochemical changes happening with repeated marijuana and alcohol use. Psychologically, he copes with stress by using substances, which suggests challenges to emotional regulation. More importantly, socially, Daniel lives in a world where his social circle and community norms may normalize substance use, thus compelling him to continue with the substances. This view also aligns with the self-medication hypothesis that individuals use substances as a means of alleviating psychological distress. All these intertwined factors need to be addressed through a comprehensive treatment plan to help Daniel understand the root causes of his addiction and work toward healthier coping mechanisms.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations in Daniel’s case involve informed consent, provision of confidentiality, and provision of nonjudgmental care across his treatment process (Alanazi et al., 2024). He should be respected with autonomy and involved in making decisions regarding treatment options. However, a consideration of the psychological issues behind his substance use is also essential in this regard. Additional practices include the fact that since Daniel’s substance use is influenced by personal and social factors, his needs should be addressed in a culturally sensitive approach and interventions should be appropriate to his needs. Ethical practice also includes recognition of the importance of holistic, client-centered approaches that ensure his well-being and maintain dignity. Providers must make sure Daniel accesses all the resources and support his recovery might need without stigmatization or discrimination that would bring a halt to progress and disrupt the therapeutic relationship.
PSYC FPX 2300 Assessment 1 Conclusion
The use of substances by Daniel, therefore, has interplays among biological, psychological, and social factors, which calls for an understanding treatment approach, comprehensive and ethical (Fineberg et al., 2022). Thus, the biopsychosocial model can address the intertwined aspects to understand Daniel’s problem with substance use and try healthier methods of coping. Relevant ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity are important in cultivating a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. Being equipped with the right treatment interventions together with a solid support system, Daniel stands a chance to change for the better and eventually go on to recover. Through careful assessment and intervention, he can develop tools that are needed to effectively manage stress and substance use, resulting in better general well-being and quality of life.
PSYC FPX 2300 Assessment 2 References
Alcaro, A., Brennan, A., & Conversi, D. (2021). The SEEKING Drive and Its Fixation: A Neuro-Psycho-Evolutionary Approach to the Pathology of Addiction. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.635932
Alanazi, M. A., Shaban, M. M., Elsayed, M., Zaky, M. E., Mohammed, H. H., Amer, M., & Shaban, M. (2024). Navigating end-of-life decision-making in nursing: a Systematic Review of Ethical Challenges and Palliative Care Practices. BMC Nursing, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02087-5
Fineberg, N. A., Menchón, J. M., Hall, N., Dell’Osso, B., Brand, M., Potenza, M. N., Chamberlain, S. R., Cirnigliaro, G., Lochner, C., Billieux, J., Demetrovics, Z., Rumpf, H. J., Müller, A., Castro-Calvo, J., Hollander, E., Burkauskas, J., Grünblatt, E., Walitza, S., Corazza, O., & King, D. L. (2022). Advances in problematic usage of the internet research – A narrative review by experts from the European network for problematic usage of the internet. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 118, 152346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152346
Sinha, R. (2024). Stress and substance use disorders: risk, relapse, and treatment outcomes. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 134(16). https://doi.org/10.1172/jci172883
