Levy’s Case 6: Addictive Disorders ✓ Solved

LEVY’S CASE 6 Addictive disorders Addictive disorder Addictiv

Addictive disorders are very common with veterans. The disorders can negatively affect the patient both psychologically and emotionally thus making it difficult for them to concentrate on daily life activities. In the case presented, Mr. Levy appears to be addicted to alcohol to cover his pain. The PMHNP should be able to assess and come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan that helps alleviate symptoms.

Episode one Mr. Levy perceives his problem as being just sick. He turns out to be confrontational and aggressive when his wife enquires about his behavior. Mr. Levy blames his alcohol problem on things that happened to him in Iraq when he was in the military. Most people suffering from PTSD have alcohol issues, which can lead to relationship and economic hardship (Bisson & Robert, 2015).

Episode two Mr. Levy’s social worker argues that some physical exercises, such as yoga and meditation, can work significantly in relieving stress. The supervisor suggests that this should not be at the forefront of the treatment plan. Creating a rapport with the client before any treatment is vital (MacKillop, Kenna, Leggio, & Ray, 2017). The supervisor seeks to know evidence for the use of yoga, which I support because it can be useful too but not at the initial visit.

Clients with PTSD and alcohol use disorder will benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) initially, according to research (Bisson & Robert, 2015). This will help the client gain more control over his thoughts and not be so afraid like Mr. Levy in this case.

Episode three In my opinion, the therapist’s supportive listening is therapeutic and gives the client more opportunities to open up about his traumatic experience. Teaching and walking the client through deep breathing and exposure therapy proved to be effective in helping this client overcome the fears of his own thoughts. The therapist’s compassionate and calm approach allowed the client to learn appropriate breathing techniques to relieve anxiety. Deep breathing removes carbon dioxide from the blood and allows more oxygen to the brain (Bisson & Robert, 2015). The use of exposure therapy by Mr. Levy’s therapist was appropriate. Prolonged exposure (PE) can dramatically reduce symptoms of PTSD. With some patients, the result could be rapid, but with others, it could be slow (Brown et al., 2019). Mr. Levy was seen getting more comfortable narrating his experience with no distress, meaning PE is working for him, and I will recommend its continued use.

Episode four The client has been open to treatment and able to express the loss of his sergeant and the effect of the trauma of having sleepless nights and flashbacks. I will empathize and acknowledge his pain while encouraging continuous practice of deep breathing whenever he feels scared. I am also going to recommend pharmacological treatment for sleep and anxiety short term in collaboration with CBT (Acosta, 2019). I will also provide necessary education for prescribed medications and their side effects so the client can know what to expect.

Episode five If I were the supervisor of this therapist, I would think that her anxiety was substantial, although there can be a chance of counter-transference on the part of the therapist (Hayes et al., 2011). Self-knowledge, combination, uneasiness, sympathy, and conceptualizing capacity are characteristics of an acceptable therapist.

Conclusion The first client encounter set the tone for what is going to happen in the future. Creating a rapport with the patient during the first meeting helps the patient feel comfortable and willing to share information, leading to treatment compliance.

Paper For Above Instructions

Addictive disorders, particularly alcohol use disorders, are prevalent among veterans and can severely hinder their daily functioning and emotional wellbeing. Mr. Levy's case highlights the complex interplay between addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), necessitating a multifaceted approach to treatment. In this paper, I will explore the significance of psychological assessments, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and the importance of supportive therapists in addressing the needs of clients like Mr. Levy.

Understanding Addictive Disorders in Veterans

Addictive disorders affect many veterans, often as a coping mechanism for trauma experienced during combat. The emotional pain stemming from PTSD can propel individuals towards alcohol as a means of self-medication (Bisson & Robert, 2015). This highlights the necessity for mental health practitioners to engage in comprehensive assessments to accurately diagnose co-occurring disorders such as PTSD and substance use disorders.

The Role of Therapeutic Interventions

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for treating substance use disorders. It helps clients like Mr. Levy to reshape their thought patterns regarding addiction and trauma recovery (NIDA, 2020). In addition to CBT, other therapeutic modalities such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can support clients in managing stressors (MacKillop et al., 2017). Moreover, being non-confrontational and establishing rapport is crucial in prompting clients to share their struggles genuinely.

Supportive Therapeutic Relationships

Mr. Levy’s therapist's approach embodies the essence of supportive therapy. Providing a calm and compassionate atmosphere allows clients to express trauma without judgment (Hayes et al., 2011). This supportive listening technique has proven beneficial in therapy, motivating clients to confront their trauma. A study by Brown et al. (2019) revealed that clients who have a stable therapeutic relationship report enhanced treatment outcomes. This reinforces the need for therapists to prioritize the establishment of trust from the initial meetings.

Pharmacological Interventions

For individuals like Mr. Levy who struggle with sleep disturbances and anxiety, pharmacological interventions play a critical role in managing symptoms in tandem with psychotherapy. Short-term medication for anxiety can assist in stabilizing the client's emotional state, allowing them to better engage in therapeutic work (Acosta, 2019). Educating clients about the medications they are prescribed is vital in reducing anxiety around treatment and fostering compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing addictive disorders among veterans requires a tailored approach that incorporates psychological assessments, a variety of therapeutic modalities, and the establishment of strong therapeutic relationships. With the rising rates of addiction among veterans, it is crucial for practitioners to equip themselves with diverse strategies for effective treatment. Mr. Levy's case illustrates the journey toward recovery, emphasizing that with the right support and interventions, individuals can reclaim control over their lives.

References

• Acosta, R. S. (2019). Common Sense Psychotherapy: In a World Lacking Common Sense.
• Bisson, J. I., Cosgrove, S., Lewis, C., & Roberts, N. P. (2015). Post-traumatic stress disorder. BioMedical Journal, 2(1).
• Brown, L. A., Clapp, J. D., Kemp, J. J., et al. (2019). The pattern of symptom changes during prolonged exposure therapy and present-centered therapy for PTSD in active-duty military personnel. Psychological Medicine, 49(12), 1980–1989.
• Hayes, J. A., Gelso, C. J., & Hummel, A. M. (2011). Managing Levy family - Assessing Clients with Addictive Disorders.
• MacKillop, J., Kenna, G. A., Leggio, L., & Ray, L. A. (2017). Integrating Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Addictive Disorders: An Evidence-Based Guide. Taylor & Francis.
• NIDA. (2020). Research-Based Strategies for Addiction Treatment. Retrieved from NIDA