Discussion 2: Applying Treatment Approaches

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Week 5 Case Studies Drug Offenders

Case of Sampson Basic Presenting Problem: Sampson is a 24-year-old single Caucasian male who has been referred for treatment services after he was convicted of possessing “crystal meth.” Sampson reports he has not used crystal meth more than six or seven times in the past. He reports his first use was with his girlfriend 2 months ago, and he has never used this substance alone. He tells you he has no history of addiction in his past, and no one in his family has a history of addictions either. He is employed as an assistant manager of a local bookstore and has no prior criminal convictions. He also advises you that his girlfriend is also in a similar situation as she is facing legal action for possession of crystal methamphetamine as well as prostitution.

Relevant Psychological and Medical Information: Sampson was briefly seen by a counselor when he was an adolescent and his parents were divorcing. Sampson recalls these sessions were beneficial and helped him get through a difficult transition. His developmental years were normal and he experienced no significant difficulties. Sampson attended local schools and earned average grades. He went to the local community college for 2 years but dropped out when he got his current job as assistant manager.

Case of Carol Basic Presenting Problem: Carol is being referred for treatment by her parole officer after she “tested positive” for marijuana during a random drug screening. Carol is a 39-year-old divorced female who was released on parole after serving 6 years for assault with a deadly weapon. She has been arrested over 17 times and has a lengthy history of drug abuse. Carol reports that she has no interest in treatment because she does not believe marijuana should be illegal. She has the family support of her mother and aunt. She is presently employed as a clerk at a local automotive-part manufacturing plant. Carol has no children and has no significant debt. Relevant Psychological and Medical Information: Carol reports dropping out of high school at the age of 16 when she first started using drugs and encountering legal difficulties. At the age of 17, while in a juvenile detention center, she had to have a

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complete hysterectomy after cancer was discovered in her uterus. She has not had further complications from surgery or cancer. She has remained cancer free since the surgery. Carol did see a mental health counselor briefly during her first period of incarceration as an adult for “depression” related to the criminal conviction.