Harriet Is A 51-Year-Old Married Woman With A Past History

Harriet Is A 51 Year Old Married Woman With A Past History Of Alcohol

Harriet is a 51-year-old married woman with a past history of alcohol and cocaine abuse. She has been attending AA and NA meetings regularly and does not report urges to drink or use drugs during the 4 years you have been her psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She needs carpal tunnel surgery and the typical regimen during recovery is oxycodone 15 mg per day.

What information would be most critical for the group leader to collect in the first visit? What is the primary goal for the treatment of this patient’s family problem, based on the US clinical guidelines? Discuss one curative factor the group would observe during the initial, middle and termination phases in group therapy?

Identify your city. Then refer this patient to three agencies near you that would support positive health outcomes for this patient. (These agencies must not have been used in past discussion posts). What was your rationale for choosing these three agencies?

Paper For Above instruction

Harriet’s case presents several considerations critical for effective management and support. On her first visit, it is essential for the group leader to gather comprehensive information about her current mental and physical health status, her history of substance use, and her social supports. Specifically, understanding her current level of functioning, her coping mechanisms, and her support system will help tailor the intervention to her needs. Furthermore, assessing her understanding of the risks associated with opioid use post-surgery and her past history of substance abuse will inform the development of strategies to prevent relapse or misuse of prescribed medications.

Regarding her primary family-related issues, the treatment goal should align with US clinical guidelines that emphasize family-centered care. The primary goal would be to enhance family communication, foster supportive dynamics, and address any unresolved conflicts or stressors contributing to her overall mental health. By improving family functioning and resilience, the treatment aims to create a stable environment that supports her recovery and sobriety. Family therapy, psychoeducation, and communication skills development are core components recommended in such cases to promote positive familial relationships and prevent relapse, especially given her history of substance abuse and the physical dependency potential associated with oxycodone use.

Throughout group therapy, different curative factors are observed in various phases. Initially, in the beginning or initial phase, the group’s cohesion begins to form as members feel safe to share their experiences, establishing trust and a sense of belonging. This fosters hope and motivation. During the middle or working phase, the group members actively share, confront issues, and provide mutual support, which facilitates self-understanding and symptom relief; here, the catharsis and interpersonal learning are prominent. In the termination phase, the group helps members consolidate gains, reflect on their progress, and develop skills for maintaining their improvements independently, fostering feelings of hope and self-efficacy that support ongoing recovery and resilience.

As a resident of a typical US city, such as Denver, Colorado, I would refer Harriet to three supportive agencies aligned with her needs. First, the Colorado Department of Human Services offers mental health and substance abuse programs that provide comprehensive outpatient services, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment options. Second, the Denver Health Community Outreach team can connect her with local support groups, health education, and community resources focused on rehabilitation and chronic health management. Third, the Colorado Substance Abuse Prevention Program (COSAP) offers preventive education, relapse prevention strategies, and peer support tailored for individuals with a history of substance abuse.

The rationale for choosing these agencies is their accessibility, evidence-based services, and focus on holistic health care, which are crucial for promoting positive health outcomes for Harriet. They provide integration of mental health, substance abuse treatment, and social support, essential for managing her post-surgical pain, preventing relapse, and fostering a supportive environment for her ongoing recovery.

References

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