Assessment is the act of determining the nature and cause of a client’s problem

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Between 2002 and 2007, there were over 8.3 million children under the age of 18 that lived with at least one parent who was dependent on or abused alcohol or an illicit drug in a given year (SAMSHA, 2009). It is estimated that as many as 8% of these children resided in single-parent households in which their mother was dependent on or abused substances. Children in the care of substance abusing mothers are at serious risk for maltreatment, neglect, and abuse, as well as economic, academic, and socio-emotional problems (Conners, et al., 2004; Jones, 2007). Additionally, drug-abusing parents can be up to three times more likely to engage with child protective services (CPS), and if the sibling(s) is removed from the home, most parents will do what is necessary to regain custody of their children.

Assessment is the act of determining the nature and cause of a client’s problem. During the early sessions of treatment, counselors gather data and increase their understanding of their clients. To understand our clients’ substance abuse problems, we must first try to understand our clients. This involves interviewing them, taking a history, and administering psychological tests. It is vital that clinicians avoid preconceived notions about the client and make treatment determinations based only on data collected during the initial evaluation.

watch the application videos below and respond to the following. Submit Part I and Part II via the same drop box. Use well-organized paragraphs, doubled spaced, in work format, and include the APA 7th edition format when referencing external sources along with a reference page (references within 5-7 years). (NOTE: Part I and II must be a total of 4 1/2 pages.)

Part I – Video: Case of Torey who’s Mother is Addicted to Opioids. (2 1/2 pages)

1) According to the video, Torey has basically raised herself with the help of a uncle who recently passed away. Torey’s mother has presented in for treatment due to a court order in an effort to regain full custody of her daughter. Torey is devastated over the loss of her uncle and has been granted weekend visits with her mom.

Refer to Chapter 5 and prepare an outline of at least three of the skills and strategies that facilitate client change. This process must be developed in order to create a safe space that encourages the mother to move towards open dialogue about her addiction. Customize your strategies by using communication techniques such as lead-in questions, restatement, reflection, clarifying etc.

2) Life skills are vital to the change process for substance-abusing clients. First, clients need coping skills to deal with situations that would otherwise trigger associations with drug use. Discuss how you would incorporate the seven life skills to support the mother’s change process.

Part II – Video: Case of a Two-year Child Addicted to Smoking. (2 pages)

1) Suppose the parents of the two-year child has presented in to counseling due to the smoking addiction of their child. You as the addiction counselor, have been assigned the case and asked to conduct an effective substance use and mental health intake interview. To elicit a clear and broad understanding of the parents’ concerns, use the intake interview categories in Chapter 4 section 4.2 of your e-book. The intake interview must be formatted in the style of an intake assessment that is appropriate for these clients.

Sample Solution

Part I: Case of Torey with Opioid-Addicted Mother

  1. Creating a Safe Space and Encouraging Open Dialogue:

Torey’s mother’s journey to recovery requires a therapeutic environment that fosters trust and openness. Here are three key skills and strategies to achieve this:

  • Empathic Communication:
    • Lead-in Questions: “Torey seems very attached to her uncle. Can you tell me more about your relationship with him and how his passing has impacted you?”
    • Restatement: “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed with grief and the responsibility of regaining custody.”
    • Reflection: “You mentioned Torey needing you to be strong. Can you elaborate on what that means to you?”

These techniques validate the mother’s emotions, demonstrating genuine interest and understanding.

  • Active Listening:
    • Pay close attention to verbal and nonverbal cues.
    • Offer minimal encouragement through nods, eye contact, and open body language.
    • Avoid interrupting or offering solutions prematurely.

Active listening conveys empathy and creates a space where the mother feels comfortable expressing her thoughts and feelings openly.

  • Building Rapport:
    • Find common ground: “I understand this must be a difficult time. Losing someone close can be very painful.”
    • Respect the mother’s pace: Allow her to share what she’s comfortable with and respect her boundaries.
    • Acknowledge her strengths: Highlight her efforts to regain custody, showcasing your belief in her capabilities.

By building rapport, the counselor fosters trust and a sense of partnership, encouraging the mother to engage in open and honest dialogue about her addiction.

  1. Life Skills for Supporting Change:

The seven life skills (SAMHSA, 2015) play a crucial role in the mother’s recovery journey. Here’s how they can be incorporated:

  • Problem-Solving: Assist the mother in identifying and developing coping mechanisms to manage stress and triggers that may lead to relapse. This could involve relaxation techniques, healthy activities, or seeking support groups.
  • Decision-Making: Help the mother explore the consequences of her past choices and guide her in making informed decisions about her recovery and parenting responsibilities.
  • Communication: Teach her effective communication skills to express her needs clearly and assertively, leading to healthier relationships with Torey and others.
  • Building Healthy Relationships: Support the mother in developing and maintaining healthy relationships with friends, family, and support groups, providing a strong foundation for recovery.
  • Relapse Prevention: Educate her about warning signs and triggers that might lead to relapse, creating a plan to recognize and manage them effectively.
  • Cultural Competence: Consider the mother’s cultural background and tailor treatment approaches to resonate with her values and beliefs.
  • Advocacy: If applicable, equip the mother with advocacy skills to navigate healthcare systems and access appropriate services and resources.

References:

  • SAMHSA. (2009). Children living with parents who have a substance use disorder. [Short report]. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/
  • SAMHSA. (2015). Model for improving adult treatment (META): The counselor guide: Core curriculum for counselors working with adults in outpatient treatment settings.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/

 

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