6103 Week 6 - Assignment: Treatment Approach

Scenario #1

Amy is a 53‐year‐old married Caucasian female with two children, ages 15 and 17. Amy is being assessed for her alcoholism. She reports drinking socially since college where she met her husband. She has a solid career as a top agent in her field, and she and her husband have provided a financially secure home for their family. She has not had quality time with her husband due to their rotating work schedules and numerous kids’ activities.   Amy reports drinking with co‐workers several times a week. She says that it is “part of the job.” She is finding it increasingly difficult to keep up her schedule at work, parenting, domestic chores, and having time for life outside of work and parenting.   Amy continues to drink each evening after work and often wakes up on the couch in the middle of the night after passing out. She finds herself frequently bickering with her husband and believes her children do not want to spend time with her anymore. Each morning it is more difficult to get up and get ready for work.   Amy also reports struggling with friendships, especially with women. She reports not having anyone to confide in or feel supported by. Her mother frequently tells her to “pray” and it makes her angry and more resentful. Her childhood was challenging and has left her angry at the concept of a “God.” Wine has become her best friend and way to cope with the struggles at work, home, and within.  She reports feeling trapped and believes it will not get better.   

Scenario #4

Joe is a 62‐year‐old homosexual white male being assessed for alcohol dependence after being admitted for detox at the local treatment center. He reports a long history of drinking, which began when he was 16 years old. He has a career as a professor of biology at the college in his town, can support a nice lifestyle, and has a few close friends.  He did not “announce” he was homosexual officially until both of his parents passed away when he was 50 years old. Joe was an only child from a religious small town— growing up in an era that had no tolerance and compassion for different types of families. His family system also condemned lifestyles different than theirs and his parents never understood why he was “single.”    Joe had a secret life partner from the age of 25 to 45. His life partner died from AIDS in the mid‐80s before there were successful anti‐viral medications and other resources. He had to lead a private, secluded life and had to grieve the death of his life partner in silence because no one knew he was gay due to his fear of prejudice from his upbringing. Joe led a very lonely life, not being able to be himself at work or with his family due to fear of ridicule and bias.    Joe’s alcohol abuse increased significantly after the death of his life partner and his parents a few years later. He reports drinking alone every evening until he passes out watching television. He no longer participates in activities in his department at the college or with the few friends he has. He reports going to work, drinking all night, passing out, and doing it all over again the next day. Joe does not believe he has much left to live for. He reports being lonely and has lived through everything he wants to experience. He is seeking treatment because he states “if I have to live, I don’t want to feel this bad.”