Case Study of Betty Ford
Case Study of Betty Ford
Psy/410
July 22, 2012
Case Study of Betty Ford Substances, such as alcohol, are used for a variety of different reasons. Alcohol is often used as a way to celebrate a special occasion. It can also be used to help an individual “take the edge off” when he or she is feeling overwhelmed. Many individuals use alcohol when gathered with others in a social setting, while others may drink alcohol when spending time alone. The use of alcohol can become a problem when the individual begins to face challenges in his or her daily life. Some of these challenges can include increasing problems with emotional or physical health, the ability to maintain a steady job, and a steady withdrawal from family and friends. Sometimes, an individual may become completely dependent on alcohol in order to feel as if he or she is functioning properly. An individual who has built up a tolerance to alcohol will need to not only drink every day, but will also need to drink in increasingly larger amounts in order to feel good. One of the most notable and famous cases of substance abuse and alcoholism is that of Betty Ford. Betty Ford was the wife of President Gerald R. Ford and was considered as one of the most influential First Ladies in American History. Some of Betty Ford’s greatest accomplishments included her advocacies in breast cancer awareness as well as women’s rights (Meyer, Chapman, & Weaver, 2009). Although Betty Ford was well known and admired for these accomplishments, she became an even greater influence in our modern history when she was able to admit to and overcome her lifelong struggles with alcohol and prescription medications.
Betty Ford Betty Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan as the youngest of three children and the only daughter to father, William Bloomer, and mother, Hortense Neahr (The National First Ladies’ Library, 2012). Although Betty’s experiences growing up were both positive and pleasant, her mother was a perfectionist
Psy/410
July 22, 2012
Case Study of Betty Ford Substances, such as alcohol, are used for a variety of different reasons. Alcohol is often used as a way to celebrate a special occasion. It can also be used to help an individual “take the edge off” when he or she is feeling overwhelmed. Many individuals use alcohol when gathered with others in a social setting, while others may drink alcohol when spending time alone. The use of alcohol can become a problem when the individual begins to face challenges in his or her daily life. Some of these challenges can include increasing problems with emotional or physical health, the ability to maintain a steady job, and a steady withdrawal from family and friends. Sometimes, an individual may become completely dependent on alcohol in order to feel as if he or she is functioning properly. An individual who has built up a tolerance to alcohol will need to not only drink every day, but will also need to drink in increasingly larger amounts in order to feel good. One of the most notable and famous cases of substance abuse and alcoholism is that of Betty Ford. Betty Ford was the wife of President Gerald R. Ford and was considered as one of the most influential First Ladies in American History. Some of Betty Ford’s greatest accomplishments included her advocacies in breast cancer awareness as well as women’s rights (Meyer, Chapman, & Weaver, 2009). Although Betty Ford was well known and admired for these accomplishments, she became an even greater influence in our modern history when she was able to admit to and overcome her lifelong struggles with alcohol and prescription medications.
Betty Ford Betty Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan as the youngest of three children and the only daughter to father, William Bloomer, and mother, Hortense Neahr (The National First Ladies’ Library, 2012). Although Betty’s experiences growing up were both positive and pleasant, her mother was a perfectionist