Respond to the main discussion posts of at least two learners who presented different scenarios. What reactions do you have to the ideas they have presented? Include examples from the course readings or your own experience to support your perspective, and raise questions to continue the dialogue.

Learner 1

Ray Diaz's friend introduced him to heroin. His very first time using he injected it. Immediately he felt this feeling of comfort and serenity. This occasion leads to more drug use and drinking. There would be a time in which Ray would be too high or agitated after doing cocaine so he would drink to level himself out. After a while these addictions became too much for Ray's significant other so she left. However, if Ray and his spouse decided to enter into counseling together solution-focused therapy would be a good choice.

Solution-focused therapy has become a very practical choice for many when it comes to helping people who excessively used drugs and alcohol (Lewis, 2013). The therapist would work with the couple to help them see that the person is not the problem. Instead, the problem is the problem (Gurman, 2015).

Through guidance and questions, the couple will be lead to come up with their solution to the issue. For example, the therapist will ask a question like "tell me an instance in which Ray was not drunk and the two of you were able to have an enjoyable evening together?" The therapist would also ask a miracle question such as: When you go to sleep tonight and when you woke up in the morning a miracle has taken place what would be different? (Gurman, 2015). After hearing each of their answers the therapist can help the couple work towards them together. Having a good support system in place will aid in the recovery of the client.

Gurman, A.S. (2015). Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, Fifth Ed.

Lewis, T.F. (2013). Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment: Practical Application of Counseling Theory, 1st Ed.

Learner 2

David Patrick, a Caucasian man living in suburbia, started socially doing coke at dinner parties and, at one point, realized that he was doing it every day; even though he was not enjoying it, he continued. He found that he was acting compulsively and obsessively to the point that it affected his relationships (Moyers, 1998). There are no details of his relationships in the video, just that they were affected. However, support systems are crucial for individuals to maintain sobriety and remain accountable for their actions. Individuals experiencing addiction are often trying to escape, avoid negative emotions, or have denial going on about their use. For Patrick, he continued using cocaine even though he wasn't enjoying it anymore. Patrick was smoking three packs of cigarettes a day! He decided to quit smoking cold turkey for pulmonary reasons, and it worked. It doesn't always work that easily, and he still uses cocaine, but not compulsively. He could quickly begin using daily again. I would recommend a Sequential Family Addictions Model that uses motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy that begins with brief family counseling that focuses on the here-and-now and then progresses toward long-term treatment (Morgen, 2017). Let's assume that Patrick has a spouse in his support system. They can work together to find sober friends and migrate toward a completely sober life without substance. The Sequential Model includes seven flexible stages, and the family unit may not need to complete all of the stages (Morgen, 2017). The first stage works with the family through motivational interviewing so they are ready for and willing to change. The stages progressively move into working on identifying habits and self-sabotaging behaviors that can precipitate relapses and prolong recovery. The stages establish clear communication patterns and build healthier relationships without the presence of addiction to properly cope and manage emotions and feelings associated with the addiction (Morgen, 2017).

Reference:

Morgen, K. (2017).Substance use disorders and addictions. Sage Publications.

Moyers. (1998). Portrait of addiction [Video]. Films on Demand. http://library.capella.edu/login?url=https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=107300&xtid=7680