The Disease Models Resources For This Assignment Imagine You
The Disease Modelsresourcesfor This Assignment Imagine You Are A Cou
Complete the following sections for this assignment: • Introduction —In this section of the paper: • Identify the client from the case study and briefly summarize the client's demographic characteristics and addictive behavior history that are relevant to the disease models of addiction. This section sets the stage for the next sections. • Applications of Disease Models — In this section: • Apply your understanding of the disease models of addiction to your client. Do client demographics and history suggest that your client suffers from a disease of addiction? Based on your interpretation, what disease model treatment strategies might you recommend for this client? • Sociocultural Factors and the Disease Models —Finally, in the last section: • Describe how sociocultural factors ("medicalization" of addictions through diagnoses, medical treatment, pharmacotherapy, genetic influences, brain scans, and media portrayal of addictions) may affect the client's perception of the problem and the addictive behavior. • Describe factors that may contribute to the addictive behavior as well as factors that may be helpful in overcoming the addiction from the perspective of the disease models of addiction.
Assignment Requirements • Length : The paper should be 2–3 pages, excluding the title page and resources page. • References : Throughout your paper, apply relevant research findings from scholarly literature using in-text citations to support your reasoning. Include references for each of your citations in a separate reference page at the end of your paper.
Paper For Above instruction
The presented case study of James illustrates a complex intersection of demographic, psychological, and sociocultural factors that align with various disease models of addiction. To understand her situation comprehensively, it is essential to analyze her background, behavioral patterns, and the sociocultural context influencing her addiction and recovery potential.
Introduction
James is a 28-year-old Caucasian female who has never married and resides in a socioeconomically disadvantaged environment, living in government-subsidized housing. Her history of physical and sexual abuse by men is significant, with a diagnosed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her addictive behaviors began with alcohol use during high school, which escalated during her experiences of abuse, ultimately leading to crack cocaine use. Her drug use has been linked to exploitation and further victimization, especially in situations where she seeks or consumes drugs. Notably, she has no prior contact with addiction treatment services, and her current crisis followed a violent incident triggered by her attempts to exchange sex for crack, leading her to seek emergency medical intervention. Her demographic and psychological profile, combined with her substance use history, provides a basis for applying disease models of addiction, highlighting her dependence on substances as a potential manifestation of a chronic illness influenced by her trauma and sociocultural environment.
Applications of Disease Models
The disease model of addiction views addiction as a chronic disease characterized by neurobiological changes, genetic predispositions, and behavioral patterns. In James's case, her escalation from alcohol to crack cocaine, particularly following traumatic experiences and ongoing exploitation, suggests a maladaptive response that fits within this framework. Her history of abuse, PTSD, and substance dependency indicates that addiction may be rooted in biological vulnerabilities, such as genetic predisposition to substance dependence, and reinforced by neurochemical alterations in brain reward pathways (Volkow et al., 2016). These changes diminish her capacity for self-control and increase compulsivity, aligning with the disease model’s perspective that addiction is a health disorder requiring ongoing treatment.
Based on this understanding, treatment strategies rooted in the disease model would prioritize pharmacotherapy alongside psychosocial interventions. Medications such as methadone or buprenorphine could be employed if opioid involvement is evident; however, for stimulant addiction like crack cocaine, options like disulfiram or naltrexone might be considered, although their efficacy varies (Carroll & Kay, 2018). Additionally, integrated trauma-informed care addressing her PTSD and abuse history is vital. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to addiction and trauma would help develop coping skills and prevent relapse (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014). Overall, treating her as a chronic disease emphasizes long-term management, relapse prevention, and acknowledgment of the biological and psychological underpinnings of her addiction.
Sociocultural Factors and the Disease Models
Sociocultural factors significantly influence perceptions of addiction and treatment approaches. The medicalization of addiction through psychiatric diagnoses, neuroimaging, and pharmacotherapy can reduce stigma and validate the addiction as a health condition, encouraging clients like James to seek treatment (Leshner, 2017). However, media portrayals often sensationalize addiction, potentially reinforcing feelings of shame or hopelessness, which can hinder recovery efforts (Hansen & Ponce, 2012). James's environment—a poorly maintained, low-income housing project—may contribute to her ongoing exposure to stressors that perpetuate addictive behaviors, emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health in treatment plans.
Genetic influences may predispose individuals to addiction, as research indicates her susceptibility could be partially inherited (Goldman, Oroszi, & Ducci, 2010). Brain imaging studies revealing alterations in reward circuitry reinforce the biological basis of addiction, influencing her perception of her behaviors as symptoms of a disease rather than moral failings (Volkow et al., 2016). This perspective can foster compassion and motivation for treatment, especially when combined with social support and culturally sensitive interventions. Factors like trauma, social isolation, and lack of education serve as contributors to her addiction, while supportive counseling, stable housing, and community resources can serve as protective factors to aid her recovery.
Conclusion
James’s case embodies the multidimensional nature of addiction as understood through disease models. Her demographic background, trauma history, and sociocultural context underscore the importance of adopting a comprehensive treatment approach that includes medical, psychological, and social interventions. Understanding how sociocultural factors influence perception and treatment can facilitate more empathetic and effective care, ultimately supporting her journey toward recovery as a manageable chronic illness.
References
- Carroll, K. M., & Kay, L. (2018). Pharmacological treatment of stimulant use disorder. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 14, 305–328.
- Goldman, D., Oroszi, G., & Ducci, F. (2010). The genetics of addictions: uncovering genes that underlie substance dependence. Nature Reviews Genetics, 11(7), 525–535.
- Hansen, H., & Ponce, N. A. (2012). Media portrayal of addiction and its influence on public perceptions. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 43(3), 209–218.
- Leshner, A. (2017). Addiction as a chronic brain disease. JAMA, 317(16), 1614–1615.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. SAMHSA.
- Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). Neurobiologic advances from the brain disease model of addiction. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(4), 363–371.