Addiction from a psychological point of view is a condition in which an individual involves himself with the use of a substance or a behavior for which the effects compel that person to repeat the same behavior in spite of the consequences that come with it. The habit usually involves the use of a particular substance that inhibits the ability to draw the attention of an individual. Notably, these substances and behaviors comprise of a neurobiological feature in that they activate the pathways of the brain of both rewards and reinforcements (Weiss " Porrino, 2002).). Co-occurring disorders, on the other hand, denotes the coexistence of a mental health and a substance use disorder in an individual. Addiction and co-occurring disorders go hand in hand and therefore the main of this research paper will be to assess both addiction and co-occurring disorders.
Assessment of Addiction
Typically, the appropriate way of assessing a substance use disorder highly depends on the objective that ought to be attained. The treatment for an alcohol problem like that one of Miguel usually begins with an addiction assessment. The primary purpose of the assessment is to determine whether there is the presence of addiction, the extent to which the addiction exists, determine whether there are co-occurring conditions and finally to help in coming up with a treatment plan for such a patient. Notably, the professionals who are trained to conduct the diagnosis usually conduct these assessments in a private setting. They are also required to keep all the information provided by a patient in a confidential state and only use it in assisting with the treatment of a patient. In addition, the psychologists, counselors, or even social workers who may perform an alcohol abuse assessment on a patient may direct the same individual to a doctor for physical evaluation. The reason for this is that the co-occurring medical problems highly affect how the addiction is to be treated. Therefore, it is important for one to be examined by a doctor early enough in the addiction assessment process.
Addiction is a form disorder that poses a threat to both oneself and the people surrounding that individual. Usually, when a person falls into the trap of addiction, in most cases they drag their family along with them. This makes those people close to the victim to be in a dilemma on how to resolve the situation. Normally, the addict denies the fact that they are facing the problem and therefore refuse to consider the possible solutions that might be helpful to them. Such an individual poses a threat to both himself and the other individuals as he views them as a source of his addiction based on the responsibilities, which he has to attend to for them to live a comfortable life. A good example in our case is Miguel. Even though he does not have much savings to cover up for their expenses, he still strives to look like things are still cool which has subjected him to diverge into drinking as a way of consoling himself with the debts that he still owes.
Assessment of Co-occurring Disorders
The assessment of co-occurring disorders provides a more comprehensive examination of both the psychosocial needs and problems, which includes the substance use disorders. This assessment is usually conducted using interviews or specialized instruments. Notably, the most common mental illnesses that accompany the diagnosis of substances abuse include depression, anxiety and in most case a bipolar disorder. In most cases these substance use can be viewed as a form of medication, however, using these substances only adds to the problem of the co-occurring disorder rather than dealing with it. Based on a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in the event a co-occurring disorder goes untreated, both of the condition facing an individual is more likely to worsen and this brings the rise of more complications(Milios,2017). This will lead to such an individual withdrawing him or herself from other people, developing a violent behavior, difficulties in holding a job, mood swings and finally using alcohol as a coping tool.
Provisional Diagnosis
A provisional diagnosis implies that the doctor is not completely sure of the possible action to take when it comes to diagnosing because he or she requires more information on the same (Schimelpfening, 2018)). This, therefore, implies that the doctor makes an educated guess based on the available information about the most likely diagnosis to initiate.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The DSM ideally is a handbook that is used by the healthcare professionals, both in the U.S and most parts of the world, as a guide in dealing with the diagnosis of medical disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The DSM is usually made up of descriptions, symptoms and other criteria are which are useful for diagnosing the mental disorders. It provides a common language for the clinicians to communicate about their patients and for researchers to study the criteria for the future potential revisions and aid in the development of medications.
Client’s Strengths
Generally, Miguel is considered as a hardworking husband and father. He had consistently worked for a period of twenty years out of which he was later on advanced into being a supervisor until the company relocated. He finds his pride in being able to support his family and building up a home where he managed to raise his family. Despite the company having relocated he went further to look for a job as a way of obtaining more income to finance their daily expenditures.
Challenges
The challenges of Miguel began to unfold himself immediately after the company in which he used to supervise relocated. Apparently, he had saved a little cash for his own retirement and has failed to report to the wife of this issue. Typically, his wife is used to much spending based on the lifestyle they had adopted while he was still the supervisor and continues to maintain the same. He is also filled with the burden of catering for both his wife and the mother who came to live with them. The challenges facing him have become so overwhelming to a point that he prefers to take care of the bills in their own absence for him to make calculations on how he is to cater for the bills. This has led him to develop a poor concentration and has led him to indulge in taking alcohol, which has made him now an addict.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing as a counseling method aids in making people resolve the doubtful feelings and insecurities and finding the internal motivation that is necessary for them to change their behavior (Thomas, 2002). It is usually used in addressing the addictions and management of physical health conditions. In our case, it will be the best counseling aid to help in addressing the problems of Miguel. The intervention will help in making him change his alcoholic behavior and prepare him for other therapies. Notably, based on the research findings, this intervention works best for the individuals who get to start without being prepared for change just as Miguel who had not saved up enough funds to sustain his family. It helps individuals in moving through the emotional stages of change necessary for them to obtain motivation.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a short-term psychotherapy treatment useful in solving problems of individuals. The main purpose of this therapy is to change the behaviors behind the difficulties experienced by individuals and is also essential in treating a wide range of issues including the alcohol abuse which ideally is the challenge facing Miguel. The therapy works by changing the attitudes of individuals as a way of dealing with the emotional problems that are accompanied by these attitudes. The advantage of this therapy over the motivational interviewing is that it tends to be short for most of the emotional problems, approximating to about five to ten months (Martin, 2018).
Conclusion
The client in our case is highly affected by both the addiction and co-occurring disorders. Miguel is an addict who has now allowed his addiction to affect his current work whereby he has been warned of this habit. The addiction has been brought about by the worries that he has been faced with of not being able to attend to the expenses at his home and he has not opened up to his wife for her to help in advising him. Therefore, he can only be helped through the psychotherapy solutions, which will also help in treating all the issues that he is faced with.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.
Martin, B. (2018). “In-Depth: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.” Retrieved from
< https://psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/>
Milios, R. (2017). “Dual diagnosis and co-occurring conditions.” Retrieved from
< https://www.recovery.org/pro/articles/dual-diagnosis-and-co-occurring-conditions/>
Schimelpfening, N. (2018). “The Difference between Provisional and Differential Diagnosis.” Retrieved from
< https://www.verywellmind.com/provisional-diagnosis-vs-differential-diagnosis-1067284>
Thomas, S. N. (2002). BOOK REVIEW--Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 63(6), 776-777.
Weiss, F., " Porrino, L. J. (2002). Behavioral neurobiology of alcohol addiction: recent advances and challenges. Journal of Neuroscience, 22(9), 3332-3337.
