SOCW 6103 Week 7 - Discussion 1: Internal Consequences of Addiction

Week 7: Internal and External Consequences of Addiction

Addiction is a chronic, predictable, progressive, and fatal illness. If left untreated, it will result in premature death.

—American Medical Association, 2012

John has been suffering from cocaine addiction for eight months and has lost all self-respect. He feels helpless and overwhelmed. Five months ago he lost his job and separated from his wife of ten years. As the result of a court order, he is not allowed to see his children. John recognizes how his life has changed since his addiction and wants his life back to normal.

Struggles with addiction and its impacts differ among affected individuals. Recognizing the progression of addiction and distinguishing the internal and external consequences of addiction are critical to providing adequate treatment.

This week, you consider how people dealing with addiction are affected internally and externally. In addition, you explore strategies useful to clients faced with internal and external consequences. Finally, you examine whether internal or external factors play a more important role in motivating individuals to seek treatment.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

· Analyze internal consequences of addiction

· Analyze strategies to address internal and external consequences from addiction

· Analyze external consequences of addiction

· Evaluate motivation for treatment

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Garrett, F. P. (2012). Getting away with addiction? Retrieved from http://www.bma-wellness.com/papers/Getting_Away_Addiction.html

Optional Readings

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2016). Foundations of addictions counseling (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.

· Chapter 14, "Alcohol Addiction and Families" (pp. 305-327)

Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). Acceptance was the answer. Retrieved from http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_theystoppedintime16.pdf

Discussion 1: Internal Consequences of Addiction

Addiction has many consequences. Often these consequences result in a negative impact on an individual's life. Yet many people suffering from addiction are contributing members of society who are adept at hiding the effects of their addiction from family, friends, and co-workers.

To understand how this is possible, it is important to understand the idea of internal consequences, or impacts. Internal consequences are negative impacts that are not visible. These consequences are often connected to internal suffering and may be difficult for others to identify unless expressed by the individual. As a result, they are much easier to keep hidden. Does every person feel some level of internal consequences due to their addiction? Treatment may provide an opportunity for individuals to explore their internal conflicts and the impact that they have had on their lives.

For this Discussion, review the week's resources and consider the internal consequences of addiction. In addition, explore strategies that may be useful to clients who are faced with internal consequences.

Provide a Detailed Discussion Post covering the following Content, Topics, and Headings: 

· Two examples of internal consequences that may result from clients with problems with addiction.

· Explain one challenge for overcoming internal consequences for each example.

· Finally, explain two strategies that you might use as a future addiction professional to address internal consequences. Support your response using the resources and the current literature and learning resources.

Be sure to reference the following sources:

Garrett, F. P. (2012). Getting away with addiction? Retrieved from http://www.bma-wellness.com/papers/Getting_Away_Addiction.html

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2016). Foundations of addictions counseling (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.

· Chapter 14, "Alcohol Addiction and Families" (pp. 305-327)

Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). Acceptance was the answer. Retrieved from http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_theystoppedintime16.pdf

SAMHSA. (2020). Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Co-Occurring Disorders. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-02-01-004_Final_508.pdf