DSM-5-TR Self-Reflection: Second Assignment 1
DSM-5-TR Self-Reflection: Second Assignment
BY
Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies, Liberty University
Author Note
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Student Name
DSM-5-TR Self-Reflection
Worldview
Substance-related and addictive disorders consist of the use of drugs in unhealthy ways
or engaging in uncontrollable behaviors, often resulting in severe consequences. These
disorders consist of a loss of control, intense urges, and adverse effects on the person’s life.
DSM-5-TR Self-Reflection: Second Assignment 2
Although these disorders share common signs, the symptoms manifest differently in people and
in different environments. According to the World Health Organization, “275 million people
worldwide use substances each year, 31 million have a substance-use disorder, and 450,000 die
because of substance use.” Zein & Danovitch (2023).
This writer thinks that substance-related and addictive disorders develop as a result of
one or several elements, such as genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and social aspects. As
posited by Popescu et al (2021), “Substance-related disorders are a set of behavioral, cognitive,
and physiological phenomena that occur after repeated use of a substance.” I am also of the
opinion that dopamine pathways contribute to addiction. Poisson et al (2021) suggest that
“striatal dopamine is essential for not only positive symptom features of SUDs, such as elevated
intake and craving, but also for impairments in decision making that underlie compulsive
behavior, reduced sociality, and risk taking.”
Many people have prioritized pleasure and reward to help fill a void in their lives. If an
individual cannot obtain pleasure from other sources, they may turn to substances that make
them feel good about themselves. Kring & Johnson (2022) state that it is challenging to get
someone out of the reward circle once dopamine is in effect. Different people could have
several influences for using addictive substances; some use them for emotional regulation,
while others use them for managing negative emotions or for social validation and acceptance
(Kring & Johnson, 2022). However, many people engage in the use of substances for various
reasons despite knowing the adverse effects that these substances could have on them.
Biases
I have personally experienced friends and family members who are addicted to alcohol,
and I understand the adverse effects that drug or alcohol addiction has on people’s lives.
Substance addiction is widespread in the United States of America. Substance use is quite
common in the United States. Kring & Johnson (2022), millions of individuals aged twelve have a
DSM-5-TR Self-Reflection: Second Assignment 3
substance use disorder. My bias is that I believe that many people who use substances, either
drugs or alcohol, are aware of the effects of these substances. However, they choose to indulge
in it because of the instant pleasure they derive from these substances.
Many people have gone from being rich to being poor because of the amount of money
required to maintain a lifestyle of drugs or alcohol. I also believe that many people who indulge
in substance use can exercise their willpower to stop using these substances without the help of
a professional. In contrast, others need assistance getting off these substances.
To overcome this bias, I need to remind myself that everyone is unique and has their way
of managing stressful situations. I will learn to be open-minded, be flexible in my thoughts, and
meet people where they are.
ACA Code of Ethics
Section A.2.e of the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics requires counselors to inform clients about
the limits of confidentiality, especially if the information is required to be shared with the court.
The counselor has a responsibility to explain to the client the legal implications of this decision if
the client declines to give consent to the counselor to share his information. Additionally,
Section B.6.a requires counselors to maintain comprehensive, accurate, and objective records to
ensure ethical and professional documentation (ACA, 2014). It is worth noting that many clients
are court-mandated to attend a counseling session due to their addiction.
Dispositions
One of the dispositions that will be significant to me working with this population is
social responsibility. This disposition stresses the importance for counselors to respond with
empathy and sensitivity to clients who have substance use disorders. It is required that every
individual be respected regardless of their circumstances and provided the opportunity for fair
treatment without judgment (CACREP, 2016).
DSM-5-TR Self-Reflection: Second Assignment 4
This disposition aligns with the ACA Code of Ethics, which emphasizes the importance of
counselors promoting the welfare and dignity of their clients. It is of utmost importance to me,
as a future counselor, to use a client-centered approach, which will help me prioritize my client's
needs and safeguard their private information, regardless of my worldview.
ASERVIC
One ASERVIC competency that I will prioritize as a counselor is understanding that a
client’s beliefs, regardless of their nature, are an integral part of their worldview and can
significantly impact their level of social functioning (ASERVIC, 2024). I will be cautious of their
needs and respectful of their beliefs and worldview. People have various cultural beliefs and
worldviews that differ from mine, and as a counselor, I intend to educate myself on the client's
culture to enable me to become sensitive to the client's culture without bias
References
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 Code of Ethics.
https://ww.counselling.org/docs/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-
ofethics.pdf
American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Understanding mental disorders: Your guide to
DSM-5-TR®. American Psychiatric Pub.
Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC). (2024). Spiritual
and religious competencies in counseling. https://aservic.org/spiritual-andreligious-
competencies/
Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). (2016).
2016 CACREP Standards. https://www.cacrep.org/for-progreams/2016-
cacrepstandards/
DSM-5-TR Self-Reflection: Second Assignment 5
Kring, A.M & Johnson, S. L (2022). Abnormal psychology: The science and treatment of
psychological disorders. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Poisson, C. L., Engel, L., & Saunders, B. T. (2021). Dopamine circuit mechanisms of addiction-
like behaviors. Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 15, 752420.
Popescu, A., Marian, M., Drăgoi, A. M., & Costea, R. V. (2021). Understanding the genetics and
neurobiological pathways behind addiction. Experimental and Therapeutic
Medicine, 21(5), 544.
World Health Organization. (2024, June 25). Global status report on alcohol and health and
treatment of substance use disorders. WHO.
Zein, Mira, and Itai Danovitch. "Substance-related and addictive Disorders." Atlas of Psychiatry
(2023): 437-467.
