Laureate Education Inc Working With Trauma And Prescription ✓ Solved

2016 Laureate Education Inc 1working With Trauma And Prescription

Write an analytical paper that addresses the case of Darby, a 24-year-old military medic who seeks psychotherapy for anger management and exhibits signs of emotional distress, substance misuse, and possible trauma-related issues. Your paper should explore the psychological and behavioral aspects presented in Darby’s case, including his military experiences, coping mechanisms, substance abuse, and mental health concerns. Discuss the theoretical frameworks applicable for understanding his symptoms, and review appropriate treatment strategies for trauma, substance misuse, and emotional regulation. Include an analysis of the ethical considerations in managing Darby’s case, particularly around confidentiality, informed consent, and the management of substance misuse and legal issues. Support your analysis with current literature and evidence-based practices related to trauma and prescription drug use in military populations. Conclude with recommendations for treatment approaches and strategies for supporting Darby’s recovery and well-being.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

Darby's case presents a complex intersection of trauma, substance misuse, and emotional regulation, typical of many military personnel returning from combat zones. Understanding his situation requires a multifaceted approach that considers psychological theories, trauma models, treatment modalities, and ethical issues. This paper aims to analyze Darby’s case, identify relevant psychological concepts, and recommend effective treatment strategies rooted in current evidence-based practices.

Background and Context

Darby, a young male military medic, served in Afghanistan during a period of intense conflict, witnessing traumatic events and engaging in life-and-death decision-making under stressful conditions. His initial presentation for psychotherapy was centered on anger management, but subsequent disclosures revealed deeper issues, including substance misuse, physical pain, guilt, and potential trauma symptoms. His background of a stable family environment, coupled with his military experiences, influences his psychological profile.

Psychological and Behavioral Analysis

Darby’s irritability, anger outbursts, and diminished satisfaction with daily routines are common symptoms associated with trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite his denial of PTSD symptoms, his emotional upheaval and re-experiencing of war-like scenarios suggest underlying trauma that has not been fully addressed. His substance misuse, particularly self-prescribed medications, further complicates his mental health status, raising concerns about addiction, impulsivity, and possible self-medication to alleviate distress.

Theories such as the PTSD model (Brewin, 2014) emphasize the role of traumatic memories and avoidance behaviors, which may manifest in Darby’s emotional numbness and his difficulty engaging in meaningful pursuits. Cognitive-behavioral models highlight maladaptive thought patterns linked to guilt and shame, which are evident in his self-described shame and reluctance to seek help initially.

Trauma and Substance Abuse Interconnection

The comorbidity of trauma and substance misuse is well-documented (Jacobson et al., 2019). Darby’s misuse of pain medication can be viewed as a form of self-medication, aiming to suppress physical and emotional pain stemming from traumatic memories. His illegal prescription practices reflect an attempt to regain control over his symptoms but pose significant legal and ethical challenges.

Addressing this dual diagnosis requires integrated treatment approaches that damage control the substance abuse while processing traumatic memories (Lynch et al., 2018). Failure to treat both concurrently can hinder recovery, increase relapse risk, and exacerbate mental health problems.

Appropriate Treatment Strategies

Trauma-Focused Therapies

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective modalities for treating PTSD in military populations (Monson et al., 2012). These therapies help clients reprocess traumatic memories, reduce avoidance behaviors, and restore emotional regulation.

Substance Abuse Interventions

For Darby, a combined approach involving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and psychotherapy, such as Motivational Interviewing and Contingency Management, can assist in overcoming addiction (Carroll & Weiss, 2017). Addressing the legal and ethical issues related to his prescription misuse necessitates careful monitoring and collaboration with healthcare providers.

Emotion Regulation and Coping Skills

Teaching Darby mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation skills (Linehan, 2014) can help him manage irritability and anger. Incorporating peer support groups, such as Veterans Anonymous or peer-led recovery programs, may also provide community and accountability.

Ethical and Clinical Considerations

Ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and addressing potential legal repercussions are paramount. As Darby’s self-medication is illegal and risky, clinicians must balance nonjudgmental support with legal obligations, including mandated reporting if necessary. A collaborative approach with Darby involved in treatment planning promotes autonomy and trust.

Furthermore, clinicians need to be aware of their scope of practice, avoid dual relationships, and adhere to military-specific ethical standards when working with active service members or veterans (Sweeney et al., 2013).

Recommendations and Conclusion

It is recommended that Darby receive an integrated treatment plan that addresses trauma, substance misuse, and emotional regulation simultaneously. Involving a multidisciplinary team—including psychologists, addiction specialists, and psychiatrists—can optimize outcomes.

Early intervention, ongoing support, and potentially hospitalization or outpatient programs tailored for military trauma survivors are essential. Incorporating psychoeducation about trauma and addiction helps normalize his experiences and encourages engagement in treatment.

Finally, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance and providing a safe space for Darby to express vulnerabilities is crucial in his recovery journey. Continued research into military-related trauma and substance misuse enhances understanding and improves intervention strategies for individuals like Darby.

References

• Brewin, C. R. (2014). The nature of intrusive memories in posttraumatic stress disorder. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 10, 1-15.
• Carroll, K. M., & Weiss, R. D. (2017). The role of medication-assisted treatment in the management of opioid use disorder. The New England Journal of Medicine, 377(20), 1980-1988.
• Jacobson, J. M., et al. (2019). Comorbidity of PTSD and substance use disorder: Treatment considerations. Psychosomatic Medicine, 81(4), 360-368.
• Linehan, M. M. (2014). DBT Skills Training Manual. Guilford Publications.
• Lynch, T. R., et al. (2018). Integrating trauma-focused therapies and substance use treatment. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(4), 675-683.
• Monson, C. M., et al. (2012). Efficacy of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(5), 768-778.
• Sweeney, J. D., et al. (2013). Ethical considerations in military mental health care. Military Psychology, 25(2), 93-101.