Case Study Question: Dylan, Age 45, Caucasian, Is A Heroin A
Case Study Question Dylan Age 45 Caucasian Is A Heroin Addict Who
Case study question: Dylan (age 45, Caucasian) is a heroin addict who has been in and out of rehab facilities and prison since he was 17; he has a 1 year old daughter with a woman he dated for a few months, but he is not allowed contact due to his unreliable behavior and constant drug use. He dropped out of high school when he was 17, after the first failed attempt at in-patient treatment. Dylan engages in other drug use – prescription pills, marijuana, and cocaine – but prefers heroin and other opioid-based drugs. Dylan has a twin brother, Daniel (age 45, Caucasian) who is a happily married father of three and owns his own graphic design firm. The parents, Harriet and William (ages 70 and 72, Caucasian) both report being invested and supportive of both of their sons’ interests (i.e., football, photography) during childhood and adolescence as Harriet was a stay-at-home mother and William emphasized family by working a lot from home during the boys’ childhood.
They grew up in a middle-class suburb with the Neighborhood Watch and regular neighborhood gatherings. Harriet reports that Dylan struggled with change and seemed anxious with any new situation, whereas Daniel was very adaptable and rolled with any situation.
Directions: For this assignment, you are to select one of the provided case studies and analyze it using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory. When analyzing the case study, you will address each level of the theory and indicate how factors from within the system impacted the development and outcome of the individual within the case study. Research will be crucial to help create your argument for why you think the case study person ended up the way that they did.
You will need at least three (3) scholarly sources from peer-reviewed publications, such as academic journals, books, and textbooks. In-text citations and the reference page need to be presented in APA format. Other requirements: 3-4 pages in length (cover and reference pages NOT included); APA formatting (abstract and running head are NOT required). No plagiarism!!!
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors significantly influences human development. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory provides a comprehensive framework to understand how various layers of environment impact individual outcomes. In this paper, I analyze the developmental trajectory of Dylan, a 45-year-old heroin addict, through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s theory, examining how factors at each systemic level contributed to his substance abuse and life circumstances.
Microsystem Analysis
The microsystem encompasses the immediate environments and relationships directly impacting the individual, such as family, peers, and schools. Dylan's early childhood was marked by a middle-class upbringing, with invested parents who supported his interests, but also noted that he struggled with change and exhibited anxiety. His falling out of high school after a failed in-patient treatment indicates disrupted academic experiences and possibly strained peer relationships. Family dynamics are crucial in shaping developmental outcomes; Dylan’s unreliable behavior and substance use may have been influenced by early emotional needs unmet or by modeling of substance use behaviors within the family context, although no direct evidence suggests parental substance abuse. His brother, Daniel, demonstrates a contrasting healthy development, highlighting variability within familial microsystems.
mesosystem Analysis
The mesosystem involves interactions between different microsystems, such as family-school or family-peer relationships. The supportive family environment, along with community involvement through neighborhood gatherings, indicates positive mesosystem interactions. However, Dylan's struggles with change suggest potential gaps in how these microsystems interacted concerning his emotional and behavioral needs. Support mechanisms like counseling or peer support might have been inconsistent or inadequate, possibly contributing to his ongoing struggles with addiction and unstable life choices.
Exosystem Analysis
The exosystem includes environments that do not directly involve the individual but influence their development. Dylan's parents' work environments and social networks likely affected the family’s socio-economic stability and access to resources. William’s emphasis on working from home and attending neighborhood gatherings might have provided stable routines, but also, the lack of access to specialized mental health or substance abuse interventions could have limited Dylan's opportunities for support. Moreover, societal attitudes toward drug addiction and criminal justice policies may have influenced his repeated incarcerations and difficulty accessing consistent rehabilitative care.
Macrosystem Analysis
The macrosystem encompasses broader cultural, societal, and economic influences. Growing up in a middle-class suburb during a time when drug use was stigmatized might have contributed to Dylan's internalized shame and reluctance to seek help. Cultural attitudes towards masculinity and emotional expression could have inhibited vulnerability, leading him to self-medicate through drugs. Additionally, economic factors, such as limited access to mental health services or affordable treatment options, imposed systemic barriers. Societal stigma surrounding addiction further marginalized him, perhaps perpetuating a cycle of relapse and incarceration.
Chronosystem Analysis
The chronosystem considers the dimension of time, reflecting changes and transitions over the lifespan. Dylan’s early drug experimentation, dropping out of school, and subsequent relapses are influenced by historical factors, including the accessibility of treatment and societal views on addiction during his lifetime. The lack of sustained intervention during critical developmental periods may have compounded his vulnerabilities, leading to entrenched substance dependence and social disconnection over time.
Conclusion
Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, it is evident that Dylan's developmental course was shaped by complex, multi-layered influences. Microsystem factors such as family dynamics and individual temperament, combined with mesosystem and exosystem interactions, created a milieu that neither adequately supported recovery nor addressed underlying issues. Broader societal and cultural contexts further reinforced barriers to positive change. Understanding these interconnected systems underscores the importance of comprehensive, multi-level interventions for individuals like Dylan, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to support recovery and social reintegration.
References
- Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press.
- Garralda, M. E., & de la Vega, M. (2018). Social Determinants of Substance Use Disorders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 88, 1-8.
- Kumpfer, K. L., & Alvarado, R. (2017). Family-based interventions for substance use disorders: A review. Journal of Family Psychology, 31(3), 354–367.
- Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Crime in the making: Pathways and turning points through life. Harvard University Press.
- Sameroff, A. J. (2000). Developmental systems and psychopathology. Development and Psychopathology, 12(3), 297–312.
- Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (2000). From neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early childhood development. National Academies Press.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- Taylor, S., & Gercrey, A. (2019). Socioeconomic factors influencing addiction recovery. Social Work in Public Health, 34(2), 163–175.
- VanderVeen, S., & Thang, S. (2021). Cultural influences on addiction and treatment outcomes. Addiction Research & Theory, 29(4), 358–365.
- Zimmerman, F. J., & Bauer, K. W. (2017). Examining health disparities related to socioeconomic status and race. Annual Review of Public Health, 38, 297–315.