Scholar Practitioner Assignment: Addressing Co-Occurring Dis ✓ Solved

Scholar Practitioner Assignment: Addressing Co-Occurring D

Assignment: Scholar Practitioner Assignment: Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders. It is no coincidence that mental disorders and addiction often appear together because they share causative neurological roots hence, co-occurring disorders. Individuals with mental disorders often turn to mood-altering chemicals and behaviors in an attempt to self-medicate, making them more vulnerable to addiction. The rates of co-occurring disorders are high. A differential diagnosis, or a diagnostic decision that differentiates between two similar disorders is needed to be able to differentiate between the two. As a helping professional you should be familiar with the appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies needed to manage all aspects of these disorders.

For this Assignment, review the "SPP Treatment Plan Template" located in the resources and use this template for this Assignment. Consider the following scenario: Maria is a 44-year-old hearing-impaired Latina female who was admitted to the inpatient treatment facility for alcohol dependence where you are a substance abuse counselor. During her admission, Maria expressed reluctance to undergo treatment, stating that her family did not approve of counseling or psychiatric services because they see it as a sign of weakness. During her admission, she began crying hysterically. She stated that her husband left her and that her two teenage children were home alone.

Maria was inebriated, under emotional distress, and ended up being carried to her assigned room by two staff members. Your psychosocial intake assessment revealed she is also manifesting signs and symptoms of a major depressive disorder. You know that Maria needs help with her alcohol addiction, but you also know that her depression might be a cause or an effect of alcoholism.

Paper For Above Instructions

Co-occurring disorders, often referred to as dual diagnosis, are a significant public health challenge as they complicate treatment outcomes and the recovery process. The case of Maria, a 44-year-old Latina female with alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder (MDD), exemplifies the critical need for an integrated treatment approach. This paper will outline a comprehensive 30-day addiction treatment plan for Maria that addresses both her alcohol dependence and her underlying depression.

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders occur when an individual struggles with both a mental health issue, such as depression, and a substance use disorder, such as alcohol dependence (Kessler et al., 2005). Evidence shows that individuals with mental health disorders may utilize substances as a form of self-medication, leading to dual diagnoses which necessitate specialized treatment approaches (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

Initial Assessment and Treatment Objectives

The first step in developing an effective treatment plan for Maria is conducting a thorough assessment that confirms the presence of co-occurring disorders. The immediate objectives for Maria include:

1. Stabilization of her acute symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.
2. Establishment of a safe environment allowing for emotional support.
3. Development of coping strategies to address both her alcohol use and depressive symptoms.
4. Engagement with treatment options that consider cultural aspects influencing her recovery.

30-Day Treatment Plan

Weeks 1-2: Detoxification and Stabilization

During the first two weeks, Maria will undergo medically supervised detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize her alcohol use. In addition, a mental health evaluation will be conducted to ascertain the severity of her depression. The treatment team will include counselors, social workers, and medical professionals who can provide multidisciplinary support. Daily group therapy sessions will be included, focusing on developing support networks among peers (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2019).

Weeks 3-4: Integrated Treatment Approach

In weeks three and four, the treatment plan will emphasize integrated therapy aimed at addressing both the alcohol dependence and the depressive disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) will be introduced to help Maria identify and restructure negative thought patterns associated with her depression and reliance on alcohol (Beck, 2011). At this stage, family therapy will also be implemented to address familial attitudes towards treatment, helping to reconcile Maria’s need for support (Friedman, 2017).

Therapeutic Interventions

Therapeutic interventions will include:

• Group Therapy: Providing a supportive environment for individuals facing similar struggles to enhance motivation and coping skills.
• Individual Counseling: Focusing on Maria’s unique experiences and challenges, particularly regarding her cultural background and familial expectations.
• Medication Management: Consultation with a psychiatrist for potential antidepressant medication to aid in managing her depressive symptoms.

Evaluation and Follow-up

Regular evaluations will be essential to monitor Maria's progress throughout the 30 days. These evaluations will include assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, monitoring withdrawal symptoms, and adjusting the treatment plan as necessary. Family involvement in follow-up care is heavily encouraged to foster a supportive home environment post-discharge.

Conclusion

Maria’s case highlights the importance of addressing co-occurring disorders through an integrated treatment plan that considers both psychological and physical aspects of addiction and mental health. By employing a holistic, culturally sensitive approach, the treatment plan aims to empower Maria on her journey toward recovery and improved mental well-being.

References

• Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond. Guilford Press.
• Friedman, S. H. (2017). The importance of family involvement in addiction treatment. Journal of Family Therapy, 39(4), 442-459.
• Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617-627.
• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. Guilford Press.
• SAMHSA. (2019). Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health – An Overview. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.