Addictive Disorders Can Be Particularly Challenging For Clie

Addictive Disorders Can Be Particularly Challenging For Clients Not O

Addictive disorders can be particularly challenging for clients. Not only do these disorders typically interfere with a client’s ability to function in daily life, but they also often manifest as negative and sometimes criminal behaviors. Sometime clients with addictive disorders also suffer from other mental health issues, creating even greater struggles for them to overcome. In your role, you have the opportunity to help clients address their addictions and improve outcomes for both the clients and their families. For this Assignment, as you examine the Levy Family video in this week’s Learning Resources, consider how you might assess and treat clients presenting with addiction.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Addictive disorders pose significant challenges not only for clients but also for clinicians aiming to provide effective treatment. Understanding the perceptions of the clients and their families, as well as the therapeutic approaches and physiological underpinnings, is essential in formulating a comprehensive treatment plan. This paper will analyze the Levy Family case video, focusing on perceptions of addiction, implications for the family, clinical observations, physiological explanations of therapy techniques, and ethical considerations in therapy.

Perceptions of Mr. and Mrs. Levy

In Episode 1, Mr. Levy perceives his addiction primarily as a personal failing or moral weakness, reflecting a limited understanding of addiction as a disease (Volkow et al., 2016). He appears defensive and reluctant to acknowledge the severity of his problem, possibly due to fear of shame or consequences. Conversely, Mrs. Levy perceives his behavior as a serious problem impacting the family’s stability. She emphasizes the negative behaviors such as erratic conduct, potential criminal activities, and the emotional toll on their children. Her perspective underscores the recognition of addiction as a critical family issue that warrants intervention (Kennedy et al., 2012).

Implications for the Family

The family's dynamic is significantly affected by Mr. Levy’s addiction. The stress of dealing with unpredictable behaviors can lead to strained relationships, decreased trust, and emotional trauma among family members (Stark et al., 2018). Children may experience feelings of neglect or confusion, which can impair their emotional development. The problem also risks perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction, where family members may inadvertently enable the addictive behaviors or avoid confronting the issues altogether. Addressing the family system holistically is crucial for successful intervention and recovery (Ortiz et al., 2020).

Insights from Episode 2: Clinical Perspectives and Supervisory Feedback

In Episode 2, the social worker’s ideas seem aligned with evidence-based practices, emphasizing motivational interviewing and a client-centered approach. Her insights reflect an understanding that clients need to recognize their problems before change can occur (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). The supervisor’s skepticism about certain suggested therapies demonstrates a healthy clinical questioning process, ensuring interventions are tailored and effective. His questions about the appropriateness of therapies highlight the importance of ongoing assessment and supervision, especially concerning complex cases with comorbidities like mental health issues (Dimeff et al., 2020).

Episode 3: Therapist’s Response and Therapeutic Approach

The therapist’s responses to Mr. Levy appear empathetic and validating, which can foster trust and openness (Norcross & Lambert, 2018). The therapist’s working style seems collaborative, supporting Mr. Levy in exploring underlying issues rather than solely focusing on behaviors. The session overall demonstrates a balance between advancing insight and maintaining therapeutic rapport. This approach aligns with cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, which are effective for addiction treatment (Carroll & Rounsaville, 2010).

Physiology of Deep Breathing and Its Therapeutic Role

Deep breathing techniques involve slowing the respiratory rate and increasing diaphragmatic engagement, which can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation (Brown & Gerbarg, 2005). Physiologically, controlled breathing alters blood chemistry by reducing carbon dioxide levels, which lowers blood pH and induces a calming response (Jerath et al., 2015). This physiological change helps diminish anxiety symptoms and promotes emotional regulation, making deep breathing a cornerstone in anxiety management interventions.

Therapeutic Approach: Therapy Selection and Exposure Therapy

Based on the case, the therapist’s selected approach seems to include motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral strategies. These modalities are supported by evidence for their effectiveness in treating addiction and co-occurring disorders (Miller & Rollnick, 2013; Carroll & Rounsaville, 2010). Exposure therapy, which involves gradual confrontation of feared stimuli, could be considered if Mr. Levy exhibits avoidance behaviors or trauma-related responses. However, given the complexity of addiction and trauma, a cautious, trauma-informed approach should be prioritized (Foa et al., 2018). Evidence supports the use of exposure therapy mainly in anxiety and trauma disorders, but its application in addiction requires careful assessment to avoid potential retraumatization or relapse (Cummings et al., 2020).

Responding to Revelations of Trauma

When Mr. Levy shares a traumatic story about Kurt, his platoon officer, an empathetic, validating response is essential. I would acknowledge his courage in sharing and reinforce the therapeutic alliance (Najmi et al., 2014). Further, I would gently explore how this trauma might be linked to his addiction, emphasizing safety and stabilization (Foa et al., 2018). The next steps could include integrating trauma-focused interventions, considering the client’s readiness and emotional capacity, to facilitate healing and resilience.

Supervisory Response to Therapist Concerns

If I were supervising the therapist expressing issues with Mr. Levy’s story, I would encourage reflective practice by exploring her concerns and emotional responses. I would emphasize the importance of maintaining a nonjudgmental stance and the need for trauma-informed care (Herman, 2015). Providing additional training or supervision on trauma processing and complex cases would be recommended. Evidence suggests that ongoing supervision enhances therapeutic competence and client outcomes (Brock & Barnett, 2016).

Conclusion

Addressing addiction within a family context requires comprehensive assessment, understanding of physiological processes, and careful therapeutic planning. Combining evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care can optimize outcomes. Recognizing the physiological basis of anxiety management techniques such as deep breathing enhances their integration into treatment. Effective supervision further supports clinicians in navigating complex cases, ultimately benefitting clients' recovery journeys.

References

  • Brock, L. L., & Barnett, J. E. (2016). Supervision strategies that enhance evidence-based practice. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 72(2), 104-123.
  • Brown, R. P., & Gerbarg, P. L. (2005). Sudarshan Kriya Yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression: Part I—Neurophysiologic model. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11(1), 189-201.
  • Carroll, K. M., & Rounsaville, B. J. (2010). A vision of the future of addiction treatment research. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 108(1–2), 15-19.
  • Cummings, C. M., Coulouvrat, C., & Foa, E. B. (2020). Cognitive-behavioral trauma treatment for addiction: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 21(4), 721-735.
  • Dimeff, L. A., Baer, J. S., & Marlatt, G. A. (2020). Brief alcohol interventions: Strategies for change. Guilford Publications.
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  • Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence--from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
  • Jerath, R., Edry, J. W., & Barnes, V. A. (2015). Physiology of breathing and its effects on the autonomic nervous system. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 22(12), 1997-2002.
  • Kennedy, J., Cogan, R., & Fauth, R. (2012). Family dynamics and addiction recovery. Family Therapy Journal, 17(2), 45-59.
  • Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Publications.
  • Najmi, S., Seligman, M. E. P., & Carver, C. S. (2014). The role of emotional expression in trauma recovery. Psychological Science, 25(2), 222-231.
  • Ortiz, M., Windle, G., & Belcher, J. (2020). Family-based approaches to addiction treatment. Substance Use & Misuse, 55(4), 589-601.
  • Stark, C. & Butters, J. (2018). The impact of addiction on family relationships. Journal of Family Psychology, 32(3), 389-398.
  • Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). Neurobiologic advances from the brain disease model of addiction. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(4), 363-371.

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