Task Name: Phase 2 Discussion Board

Primary Discussion Response is due by Wednesday (11:59:59pm Central), Peer Responses are due by Sunday (11:59:59pm Central).

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 300–500 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

The human brain is a complex organ that can allow people to think both consciously and unconsciously. The following scenario explores how consciousness can be altered by drugs. For this Discussion Board, explain what is happening biologically and what interventions would be necessary to help the individual.

Scenario: Amy is a 24-year-old single parent to her 5-year-old daughter, Jennifer. Amy’s husband, Barry, recently passed away from a drug overdose. After Barry’s passing, Amy’s mother offered to allow Amy and Jennifer to live with her until Amy gets back on her feet. Since Barry’s passing, Amy has increased the number of pills she takes without consulting her doctor because she feels it is a way to cope with the loss of her husband. Last month, Amy was hospitalized because she passed out at a local bar from combining her Oxycodone with a large amount of alcohol. Although the hospital staff warned her that alcohol and Oxycodone can be a deadly combination, she continues to use both substances.

Based on this scenario, please answer the following questions:

1. In this scenario, does Amy have an addiction to drugs? Explain your answer.
2. What part of Amy’s brain is affected by the drug abuse? Explain specifically how the functioning of the brain is impaired by drug abuse.
3. What causes Amy to continue using drugs?

Responses to Other Students: Respond to at least 2 of your fellow classmates with at least a 100-word reply about their Primary Task Response regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your discussion, please consider the following questions:

• What did you learn from reading your classmates’ postings?
• Do you agree with your classmates about what is happening in the scenario? Why or why not?
• What are some of the differences and similarities that you see between your posting and your classmates’ posting?
• How can you use the differences to advance