Chief Complaint: The Patient Presents For Evaluation And Man

Chief Complaint The Patient Presents For Evaluation And Management Of

Chief Complaint: The patient presents for evaluation and management of substance abuse.

History of Present Illness: The patient is a 20-year-old male who reports using marijuana over the past [du1 1 year. The patient describes escalating use, resulting in negative impacts on his academic performance, relationships, and physical health. He reports using the substance to cope with stress and to achieve a sense of euphoria. The patient acknowledges a loss of control over his use and has attempted to cut down without success.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Substance abuse remains a significant public health concern, especially among young adults, such as the 20-year-old male patient described in this case. The increasing prevalence of marijuana use in this demographic is associated with various adverse effects on health, social relationships, and academic performance (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). This paper will analyze the case presentation, evaluate the clinical implications of marijuana use, and explore treatment approaches for substance use disorder with a focus on young adults.

Case Analysis

The patient’s chief complaint underscores the importance of comprehensive assessment in managing substance abuse disorders. His history reveals a pattern of escalating marijuana use over the past year, with negative consequences on multiple aspects of his life, including academic, social, and physical health domains (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2020). The patient's description of using marijuana to cope with stress and for euphoria indicates psychological dependence and self-medication tendencies, which are common among young users (Leung & Kilaru, 2018).

Furthermore, his acknowledgment of a loss of control and unsuccessful attempts to reduce use point to potential dependence and highlight the necessity of appropriate intervention strategies (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The patient's age and developmental stage make early intervention crucial, as substance use in young adults can interfere with brain development, impacting decision-making, impulse control, and mental health (Gogtay et al., 2004).

Clinical Implications and Diagnostic Considerations

Based on the information provided, the patient’s symptoms are consistent with mild to moderate substance use disorder outlined in the DSM-5 criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Key features include escalating use, unsuccessful efforts to regulate intake, and continued use despite negative consequences. Recognizing comorbid mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which often co-occur with substance use disorders, is critical for comprehensive care (Kessler et al., 2005).

Current trends suggest that marijuana, while perceived as less harmful than other illicit substances, can lead to significant dependency, especially when use begins at an early age (Hall & Degenhardt, 2014). The patient's motivations—stress relief and euphoria—are indicative of underlying psychosocial stressors that warrant attention in treatment planning.

Treatment Strategies

Effective management of marijuana use disorder in young adults involves a combination of psychosocial interventions, motivational interviewing, and, when appropriate, pharmacotherapy (Katz et al., 2020). Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) has shown promising results in increasing motivation to reduce or cease use (Ditre et al., 2016). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is also critical, aiming to identify and modify maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use (McHugh et al., 2010).

Prevention of relapse requires addressing triggers, developing coping skills, and enhancing support systems. Family involvement, peer support groups, and educational programs can facilitate sustained recovery (Dennis et al., 2004). Pharmacological options are limited for marijuana dependence, but emerging evidence suggests that cannabinoids and other medications may play a role in withdrawal management and craving reduction (Lucido et al., 2020).

Special considerations include the patient’s developmental stage and co-occurring mental health conditions. Early intervention, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring are essential to improve outcomes (Liddle et al., 2015).

Conclusion

This case exemplifies the complexities of substance use disorder among young adults, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment approaches. Early intervention, psychosocial therapies, and supportive networks are fundamental to addressing marijuana dependence and preventing progression to more severe substance use issues. Continued research and policy initiatives are vital to improving treatment accessibility and effectiveness for this vulnerable population.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

Dennis, M. L., Scott, C. K., & Funk, R. (2004). Developmental epidemiology of substance use disorder: Diagnostic and statistical manual-based epidemiology. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(2), 196-206.

Gogtay, N., Giedd, J. N., Lusk, L., et al. (2004). Dynamic mapping of human cortical development during childhood through early adulthood. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101(21), 8174-8179.

Hall, W., & Degenhardt, L. (2014). The adverse health effects of marijuana use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-2227.

Katz, N., Fairman, B., & McNicholas, L. (2020). Pharmacotherapy for cannabis use disorder: A review. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 60(3), 312-319.

Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., et al. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.

Leung, H. T., & Kilaru, S. (2018). Self-medication and mental health in young adults. Psychiatry Research, 262, 385-391.

Liddle, H. A., Rowe, C., Dakof, G. A., et al. (2015). Family-based treatments for adolescent substance use disorders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 66, 16-25.

Lucido, D. L., Lemaire, K. J., & Hiday, V. (2020). Pharmacological approaches to cannabis dependence: Current evidence and future directions. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 60(11), 1477-1485.

McHugh, R. K., Hearon, B. A., & Cummings, C. M. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(4), 885-898.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Marijuana research report. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/overview