CNL-501: Topic 8 Case Study

Read this case study below for the Topic 8 assignment. You may also watch or listen to the What is Heroin Addiction video located in the Topic 8 Study Materials to gain more insight regarding the mock client, Jed.

A 30-year-old male is seeking services due to his heroin use getting out of control. The client recently had a possession of heroin charge and is required to attend counseling for probation purposes. The What is Heroin Addiction video tells his story from the future looking back on what his period of use was like.

He is married with two children however is currently separated due to his substance use and his wifes concern of potential involvement of child protective services.

What you know of his substance use history is during periods of heavy use he admits to physiological discomfort when he has stopped using for periods of time. He describes the first time he used as one in which he experienced a rush and could not wait to use heroin again. He experienced a euphoria he had never experienced before. He describes a sensation of feeling a burn leading to a mission to use heroin every chance he could.

Over time he identified the money he spent on heroin use began to lead to financial problems. Due to his physiological discomfort and cravings he started stealing to pay for continued heroin. He convinced himself there was nothing wrong with this behavior because he had to do what he had to do to keep his use consistent and avoid the psychological and physical pain of ceasing his use. He was arrested for possession and has been incarcerated four times. He estimates the financial cost of his use is at least $250,000 as well as he has sold valuable possessions. He describes his process as a roller coaster ride in which he has ruined relationships with people he cares about, is an embarrassment, and he reached an ultimate low point in life.

The client is coming to you for counseling services after a four-week period of incarceration. He has not used heroin or any other substance during this time therefore there is no concern for current withdrawal symptoms. The client states he started buying lottery scratch off tickets after he was released and recognizes he feels a slight rush when scratching off as he has won some money from lottery tickets in the past. You will want to consider any potential process addictions and education to support the clients recovery with positive coping skills.

Part 1: Harmful/Destructive Behaviors Chart

Complete the chart below by including a minimum of three behaviors as well as associated rewards and consequences related to relapse and abstinence behaviors.

Harmful/destructive behaviors that the client will need to avoid to prevent a relapse	Possible rewards the client experiences when they choose to use drugs/engage in relapse activities.	Possible costs for returning to use and the associated consequences

Part 2: Current Risks of Relapse

In this section, you will identify the steps to reduce the risk of relapse. Describe how you might assist Jed to identify high-risk situations, and specific triggers leading to relapse.

1. What steps has the client already taken to reduce the risk of relapse? What is the clients agreement to abstain from substance use/misuse?

2. What are some high-risk situations that may trigger a relapse for the client? List three specific situations that may lead to relapse.

3. What are some examples of irrational thinking that may create the urge to return to previous harmful behavior leading to relapse?

Part 3: Continued Health and Well-Being

1. Describe three community and support resources that are available to the client. Identify how often and the amount of support group meetings the client will participate in (any type of recovery support meeting) to improve health and sobriety. What resources might Jed find for himself and how will we know if they are effective resources?

2. Describe how the ethnic and cultural aspects of the client may impact the relapse prevention plan?

Part 4: Current Risks of Symptom Recurrence

In this section, you will identify the steps to reduce the risk of symptoms recurring. Describe how you might assist Jed to identify high-risk situations, and specific triggers leading to potential symptoms.

1. What steps has the client already taken to reduce the risk of returning to these behaviors? What is the clients commitment to abstain from substance use/misuse and addictive behaviors? How will the client know if this goal is not being met?

2. What are some high-risk situations that may trigger a recurrence for the client? List three specific situations that may lead to a return of symptoms.

3. What are some examples of irrational thinking that may create the urge to return to previous harmful behavior?