A man in his 60s comes in on the recommendation of his doctor. He had a back injury some years ago and was placed on codeine at the time. After the back injury, other things went wrong. The plant where he worked closed down and his mother died. He found himself feeling very alone and uncertain about finances. “It was then that I started to drink too,” he tells you. When you ask what he means by “too,” he says his doctor believes he has become addicted to codeine. “I don’t know,” he says. “I’ve gotten to the point that I can’t get through a day without a lot of help.”

In each of the above situations, develop a tentative plan for the client. List the various services you believe each person needs initially. Include in your plan for each client both formal and generic services, and where appropriate, use social supports and support groups. Suggest other services the person might use later once the case is stabilized. Think about how you can involve others close to the person and how you will involve the client in planning.