Case Study: Jay W.
CHEMICAL USE ASSESSMENT/HISTORY AND TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Name: Jay W.
DOB/Age: May 2, 1994/ 20 years old
Dates of Interviews: Friday, May 2, 2014
Evaluator:
Reason for Assessment: Jay’s parents are concerned with his drinking and how it seems to be interfering with his desire of being a chemical engineer. Jay W. was referred for assessment after flunking out of his freshman year in college.
Sources of Information: Interview with the patient, Jay W. and his parents, Don and Beth W.
Background Information: Jay W. was born May 2, 1994, to Don and Beth W. His mother’s pregnancy was reported to be normal and there were no complications during birth. Jay had a high level of academic achievement throughout school and it wasn’t …show more content…
an issue to maintain a straight-A report card. Jay’s parents reported that Jay began drinking at the age of twelve. They described his drinking as “experimental” but they became more concerned as he got older. Jay and his parents described his early drinking years as “typical of teenage behavior”. At the age of sixteen totaled his car in relation to alcohol usage resulting in losing his driver’s license and a DUI charge. According to Jay W.’s mother, his father had a history of heavy drinking and binge drinking when not on call. Four years prior to this assessment, Don stopped drinking when he realized his son had a problem. Don’s main purpose to stop drinking was so he could support Jay to stop. The family had a history of alcoholics, both Don and Beth’s fathers. Jay W. attended an AA meeting with his parents for three months before quitting because the only thing that was discussed was war stories. Although Jay quit going to the meetings his parents remained going to AA and Al-Anon. Jay stated that, currently, he drinks a twelve pack or more on the weekends and that his friends help him drink the beer. He also admitted that his weekends sometimes start on Thursdays and don’t end until Mondays.
Current Status: Jay seems reluctant to treatment but agreed to come because his parents state they will not continue financing his college if he does not get help. Jay is experiencing a recent break up from his girlfriend of two years and has flunked out of his freshman year of college. Jay spends thirty percent of his monthly income on beer. His parents threatened to no longer provide financial assistance for college and living expenses if Jay does not receive help. He stated he does not believe his drinking is the issue with his grades in college. Jay W. is willing to attend counseling with the thought in mind to “win” his ex-girlfriend back but is not willing to admit any alcohol dependency.
Indicators of Use/Abuse/Dependency: Jay W. began experiencing alcohol at the age of twelve. By the age sixteen he totaled his car, lost his driver’s license, and was charged with a DUI. Jay stated he drinks a twelve pack or more on the weekends which sometimes start on Thursday and doesn’t end until Monday. He spends around $75 per week on beer. Jay admitted to having blackouts and usually drinking more than he intends. He does seem to recognize that many of his friends have similar drinking patterns as he. He also reports a recent break up with his girlfriend of 2 years. He states he truly loves this girl but she broke up with him because “she doesn’t like his friends”.
Attitude and Behavior: Jay displays an averse attitude and shows signs of denial. He blames those around him for the consequences he is experiencing and does not realize his role is the main factor. He underrates the consequences of his use of alcohol and believes his usage of alcohol is being exaggerated. Jay compares his incidents to be overrated to his friends by stating, “He had several friends that have lost their licenses.” He claims his friends share the same drinking pattern and they “help him drink the beer” he buys. Jay feels as if alcohol is not the reason behind his poor academic performance, but blames his professors of being “boring” and making class out to be “dumb.”
Social Functioning: Jay identifies his friends as having the same drinking pattern as himself.
After being charged with a DUI, Jay stated, “he had several friends that lost their license.” He lost his girlfriend because she didn’t like his friends. He won’t admit to having a drinking problem although he notices he drinks more than he means.
Occupational Functioning: Jay is a student in college, who lives and spends time with his friends. He grew up being a great student in school needing very little effort to maintain a straight a report card and was also in the gifted and talented program. Jay is trying to become a chemical engineer in college, but has already failed his first year in college. Jay’s father, Don, is a neurosurgeon and his mother, Beth, is a research scientist.
Financial Aspects: Jay’s parents pay for him to attend college and give him $1,000 monthly. Jay spends approximately $75 per week on beer which is roughly thirty percent of his income and his money doesn’t always last until the end of the month. He points that to his parents not giving him enough money. One of the harms related to alcohol is the financial status of the family of the abuser. The spending amount by the alcohol abuser increases to tolerate their habit. Due to restrictions of the family income inflicts, the alcoholic abuser begins to borrow money, steal and/or sell household objects in order to withstand his habit (Doweiko,
2009).
Familial Relationships: Jay’s parents are married and show how concerned they are of him and his well-being. Don, his father, stopped drinking four years ago after Jay totaled his car in support to help Jay stop drinking. Jay and his parents began going to AA together to help with Jay’s alcohol issues; it wasn’t until three months later Jay dropped out of the program. Don and Beth’s fathers both have a history of being an alcoholic. Jay feels as if his parents are over exaggerating is his drinking and alcohol is not the reason behind him flunking his freshmen year in college.
Legal History: At the age of sixteen Jay totaled his car, lost his license and was charged with a DUI. Jay suggested his parents are over reacting because he has had several friends that have lost their license. Jay appears to be confused and misunderstands his story by thinking his parents are over reacting and lots of people have lost their license.
Health History: During Beth W.’s pregnancy it was reported to be normal without any complications during birth. With Jay’s usage of alcohol he did admit to blackouts and drinking more than he intends.
Spiritual History: When Jay entered college new responsibilities, pressure, and work were found. His girlfriend left him because of his choice of friends so he may have felt lonely. He desires to have acceptance and love from his parents and girlfriend he hopes to “win” back. Drinking alcohol provides a “medication” that helps to forget the pain, at least for a moment or two. Alcohol provides Jay with expected moments he can count on, an impression of control, and the addiction controls him. Jay is forced to choose between his alcohol usage and those who love him. While he does not want to lose those he love, he does not want to quit drinking.
DIAGNOSTIC IMPRESSION: Jay W. appears to have an alcohol abuse problem, level two “heavy social use/early problem alcohol use” based on the classification system of chemical use. People whose chemical use falls under this stage use their chemicals above the norm of society, might experience some legal, social, financial, career, and medical issues caused by their substance abuse (Doweiko, 2009). Jay can be identified as being at risk for substance abuse or a problem drinker to put himself at ease because of his personal issues. Not everyone from this category would progress to have an addictive disorder. However, at this level, Jay proceeds to attempt to hide or deny his problems that has developed his alcohol abuse.
Recommendations: Most alcohol abusers and alcoholics deny they have a problem. Identifying and accepting that an alcohol problem exists is the first, important step toward solving the problem. Jay needs to obtain new goals to become fully functional. In the video Theology and Addiction, Dr. Hawkins presented six ways out of addiction to recovery and they are; “have encounter with the Heavenly Father, allow for the power of the Holy Spirit, make a commitment to a new goal, submit to a new truth, have accountability to a new family, engage in a new process” (Hawkins, 2009). Dr. Hawkins believes that recovery is an “inside out issue requiring the Holy Spirit” (Hawkins, 2009). Jay should start back visiting an AA-group with his parents to start progressing on the right path. In our text Addiction and Grace the author tells us “for the power of addiction to be overcome, human will must act in concert with divine will.” (May, 1991, p.140) Jay needs the support of others: his family and his ex-girlfriend to be with him and support him. He needs to understand his own anger, desires and weakness. Our text also told us “we cannot make this empowerment happen, we can pray for it, seek it actively, open our hands for it and try our best to live it” (May, 1991, p.140). If Jay wants to be successful, he has to open his eyes to see that his current outlook of power and control is only that, an illusion. In Addiction and Grace we also learned that “grace enables receptivity and responsiveness within us by empowering our growing trust and wour willingness to take the risks of faith.” (May, 1988, p.141). Studying and working hard is real life, which can sometimes be lonely, but in real life with real results one can better understand real love. Signature: JoVa’a Jackson Date: May 3, 2014
REFERENCES
Doweiko, H. E. (2012). Concepts of chemical dependency (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
May, G. G. (1991). Addiction & grace: Love and spirituality in the healing of addictions. New York: HarperOne.
Hawkins, R. (2009). Theology and Addiction https://www.libertyuniversity.edu
Name: Jay W.
DOB/Age: May 2, 1994/ 20 years old
Dates of Interviews: Friday, May 2, 2014
Evaluator:
Reason for Assessment: Jay’s parents are concerned with his drinking and how it seems to be interfering with his desire of being a chemical engineer. Jay W. was referred for assessment after flunking out of his freshman year in college.
Sources of Information: Interview with the patient, Jay W. and his parents, Don and Beth W.
Background Information: Jay W. was born May 2, 1994, to Don and Beth W. His mother’s pregnancy was reported to be normal and there were no complications during birth. Jay had a high level of academic achievement throughout school and it wasn’t …show more content…
an issue to maintain a straight-A report card. Jay’s parents reported that Jay began drinking at the age of twelve. They described his drinking as “experimental” but they became more concerned as he got older. Jay and his parents described his early drinking years as “typical of teenage behavior”. At the age of sixteen totaled his car in relation to alcohol usage resulting in losing his driver’s license and a DUI charge. According to Jay W.’s mother, his father had a history of heavy drinking and binge drinking when not on call. Four years prior to this assessment, Don stopped drinking when he realized his son had a problem. Don’s main purpose to stop drinking was so he could support Jay to stop. The family had a history of alcoholics, both Don and Beth’s fathers. Jay W. attended an AA meeting with his parents for three months before quitting because the only thing that was discussed was war stories. Although Jay quit going to the meetings his parents remained going to AA and Al-Anon. Jay stated that, currently, he drinks a twelve pack or more on the weekends and that his friends help him drink the beer. He also admitted that his weekends sometimes start on Thursdays and don’t end until Mondays.
Current Status: Jay seems reluctant to treatment but agreed to come because his parents state they will not continue financing his college if he does not get help. Jay is experiencing a recent break up from his girlfriend of two years and has flunked out of his freshman year of college. Jay spends thirty percent of his monthly income on beer. His parents threatened to no longer provide financial assistance for college and living expenses if Jay does not receive help. He stated he does not believe his drinking is the issue with his grades in college. Jay W. is willing to attend counseling with the thought in mind to “win” his ex-girlfriend back but is not willing to admit any alcohol dependency.
Indicators of Use/Abuse/Dependency: Jay W. began experiencing alcohol at the age of twelve. By the age sixteen he totaled his car, lost his driver’s license, and was charged with a DUI. Jay stated he drinks a twelve pack or more on the weekends which sometimes start on Thursday and doesn’t end until Monday. He spends around $75 per week on beer. Jay admitted to having blackouts and usually drinking more than he intends. He does seem to recognize that many of his friends have similar drinking patterns as he. He also reports a recent break up with his girlfriend of 2 years. He states he truly loves this girl but she broke up with him because “she doesn’t like his friends”.
Attitude and Behavior: Jay displays an averse attitude and shows signs of denial. He blames those around him for the consequences he is experiencing and does not realize his role is the main factor. He underrates the consequences of his use of alcohol and believes his usage of alcohol is being exaggerated. Jay compares his incidents to be overrated to his friends by stating, “He had several friends that have lost their licenses.” He claims his friends share the same drinking pattern and they “help him drink the beer” he buys. Jay feels as if alcohol is not the reason behind his poor academic performance, but blames his professors of being “boring” and making class out to be “dumb.”
Social Functioning: Jay identifies his friends as having the same drinking pattern as himself.
After being charged with a DUI, Jay stated, “he had several friends that lost their license.” He lost his girlfriend because she didn’t like his friends. He won’t admit to having a drinking problem although he notices he drinks more than he means.
Occupational Functioning: Jay is a student in college, who lives and spends time with his friends. He grew up being a great student in school needing very little effort to maintain a straight a report card and was also in the gifted and talented program. Jay is trying to become a chemical engineer in college, but has already failed his first year in college. Jay’s father, Don, is a neurosurgeon and his mother, Beth, is a research scientist.
Financial Aspects: Jay’s parents pay for him to attend college and give him $1,000 monthly. Jay spends approximately $75 per week on beer which is roughly thirty percent of his income and his money doesn’t always last until the end of the month. He points that to his parents not giving him enough money. One of the harms related to alcohol is the financial status of the family of the abuser. The spending amount by the alcohol abuser increases to tolerate their habit. Due to restrictions of the family income inflicts, the alcoholic abuser begins to borrow money, steal and/or sell household objects in order to withstand his habit (Doweiko,
2009).
Familial Relationships: Jay’s parents are married and show how concerned they are of him and his well-being. Don, his father, stopped drinking four years ago after Jay totaled his car in support to help Jay stop drinking. Jay and his parents began going to AA together to help with Jay’s alcohol issues; it wasn’t until three months later Jay dropped out of the program. Don and Beth’s fathers both have a history of being an alcoholic. Jay feels as if his parents are over exaggerating is his drinking and alcohol is not the reason behind him flunking his freshmen year in college.
Legal History: At the age of sixteen Jay totaled his car, lost his license and was charged with a DUI. Jay suggested his parents are over reacting because he has had several friends that have lost their license. Jay appears to be confused and misunderstands his story by thinking his parents are over reacting and lots of people have lost their license.
Health History: During Beth W.’s pregnancy it was reported to be normal without any complications during birth. With Jay’s usage of alcohol he did admit to blackouts and drinking more than he intends.
Spiritual History: When Jay entered college new responsibilities, pressure, and work were found. His girlfriend left him because of his choice of friends so he may have felt lonely. He desires to have acceptance and love from his parents and girlfriend he hopes to “win” back. Drinking alcohol provides a “medication” that helps to forget the pain, at least for a moment or two. Alcohol provides Jay with expected moments he can count on, an impression of control, and the addiction controls him. Jay is forced to choose between his alcohol usage and those who love him. While he does not want to lose those he love, he does not want to quit drinking.
DIAGNOSTIC IMPRESSION: Jay W. appears to have an alcohol abuse problem, level two “heavy social use/early problem alcohol use” based on the classification system of chemical use. People whose chemical use falls under this stage use their chemicals above the norm of society, might experience some legal, social, financial, career, and medical issues caused by their substance abuse (Doweiko, 2009). Jay can be identified as being at risk for substance abuse or a problem drinker to put himself at ease because of his personal issues. Not everyone from this category would progress to have an addictive disorder. However, at this level, Jay proceeds to attempt to hide or deny his problems that has developed his alcohol abuse.
Recommendations: Most alcohol abusers and alcoholics deny they have a problem. Identifying and accepting that an alcohol problem exists is the first, important step toward solving the problem. Jay needs to obtain new goals to become fully functional. In the video Theology and Addiction, Dr. Hawkins presented six ways out of addiction to recovery and they are; “have encounter with the Heavenly Father, allow for the power of the Holy Spirit, make a commitment to a new goal, submit to a new truth, have accountability to a new family, engage in a new process” (Hawkins, 2009). Dr. Hawkins believes that recovery is an “inside out issue requiring the Holy Spirit” (Hawkins, 2009). Jay should start back visiting an AA-group with his parents to start progressing on the right path. In our text Addiction and Grace the author tells us “for the power of addiction to be overcome, human will must act in concert with divine will.” (May, 1991, p.140) Jay needs the support of others: his family and his ex-girlfriend to be with him and support him. He needs to understand his own anger, desires and weakness. Our text also told us “we cannot make this empowerment happen, we can pray for it, seek it actively, open our hands for it and try our best to live it” (May, 1991, p.140). If Jay wants to be successful, he has to open his eyes to see that his current outlook of power and control is only that, an illusion. In Addiction and Grace we also learned that “grace enables receptivity and responsiveness within us by empowering our growing trust and wour willingness to take the risks of faith.” (May, 1988, p.141). Studying and working hard is real life, which can sometimes be lonely, but in real life with real results one can better understand real love. Signature: JoVa’a Jackson Date: May 3, 2014
REFERENCES
Doweiko, H. E. (2012). Concepts of chemical dependency (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
May, G. G. (1991). Addiction & grace: Love and spirituality in the healing of addictions. New York: HarperOne.
Hawkins, R. (2009). Theology and Addiction https://www.libertyuniversity.edu