NUR 650

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NUR650DisWk2response.pdf

Neivis Socorro Garcia

Harriet Needs Surgery I am located in Miami, Florida. In this case, Harriet is a 51-year-old married woman with a

history of alcohol and cocaine use disorder who has been in remission for the past four years. She has been regularly attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and she denies any current cravings. However, she now needs carpal tunnel surgery, and the use of oxycodone during recovery is concerning because of her past substance use history. This situation is important to approach carefully to reduce the risk of relapse.

During the first visit, the most important information to collect would include a detailed substance use history, especially past triggers, relapse patterns, and coping strategies that have helped her stay sober. It is also important to assess her current emotional state, including any anxiety about the surgery or fear of relapse. The provider should explore her support system, including her spouse, AA/NA involvement, and whether she has a sponsor or close support network. Understanding how she feels about taking pain medication, especially opioids, is also very important. Screening for depression, anxiety, and relapse risk should be included, since medical stress can increase vulnerability even in patients who have been stable for years.

The main goal of treatment is to prevent relapse while still managing her pain safely. According to current guidelines, patients with a history of substance use disorder should be prescribed the lowest effective dose of opioids for the shortest time possible, along with close monitoring and the use of non-opioid pain management when possible (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020). Family involvement is also very important. The goal is to help the family recognize early warning signs of relapse, support Harriet, and encourage accountability. Open communication and strong coping strategies within the family can help lower the risk of relapse during this stressful period.

In group therapy, different curative factors can be seen in each phase. In the initial phase, instillation of hope is important, as Harriet can see others who have gone through similar situations and remained stable. In the middle phase, universality helps her realize she is not alone in her fears, which can reduce feelings of isolation. In the termination phase, interpersonal learning becomes important, as she reflects on what she has learned and how she can continue applying these skills after treatment.

In Miami, Florida, there are several agencies that can support Harriet. One option is New Beginnings Recovery Center, which provides support for individuals in recovery and can help reinforce relapse prevention during recovery from surgery. Another is Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, which offers mental health and substance use services, including outpatient care. A third option is The Recovery Village Miami at Baptist Health, which provides structured programs focused on relapse prevention and ongoing support.

These agencies were chosen because they offer a combination of mental health care, substance use support, and counseling services. Having access to these resources can help Harriet stay stable during recovery and reduce the chances of relapse.

Overall, Harriet’s case shows how important it is to balance pain management with relapse prevention. With proper support, monitoring, and family involvement, she can go through surgery safely while maintaining her sobriety.

Arlette Del Pino Vento

Harriet is a 51-year-old woman who has maintained sobriety from alcohol and cocaine for the past four years, which is a significant strength. The clinical situation becomes more complicated because the patient needs carpal tunnel surgery which requires postoperative pain medications that include oxycodone. The first group visit requires information about her relapse risk and her current coping strategies to be evaluated as the primary data for assessment. The process requires her to share information about her substance use history and the factors that trigger her addiction and the methods she used to achieve sobriety. It is also important to understand how she feels about taking opioid medication, whether she feels confident, anxious, or unsure, and whether she has a relapse prevention plan in place. Additionally, evaluating her psychiatric stability, current stressors, support system, and any prior experience with prescribed opioids is essential. Wakeman et al. (2020) emphasize that identifying both risk and protective factors is key when managing pain in patients with a history of substance use.

The primary goal in addressing Harriet’s family related concerns is to strengthen her support system while minimizing relapse risk. U.S. clinical guidelines support involving family members in a way that promotes recovery without enabling harmful behaviors. In Harriet’s situation, her spouse can provide emotional support, help monitor medication use if appropriate, and reinforce healthy coping strategies. At the same time, it is important to maintain clear boundaries so that Harriet retains responsibility for her recovery. The goal is to improve communication, reduce stress within the home, and create a supportive environment that prioritizes sobriety. According to SAMHSA (2021), appropriate family involvement can improve outcomes and help sustain long-term recovery.

Group therapy can offer Harriet meaningful support throughout each phase of treatment. The initial phase of the process requires universal healing elements to achieve their maximum effect. When people who have experienced the same issues as Harriet speak about their battle with addiction and need for medical help she discovers comfort in their shared experience. The ability to connect with others creates a calming effect that helps people feel less anxious and work together. The second phase of the process enables people to acquire knowledge through their interactions with others. Through his practice sessions Harriet will learn to voice her needs while receiving constructive criticism on her performance and developing effective stress management techniques. The current phase enables individuals to develop through collective activities while they enhance their understanding of themselves. The final phase of the process requires participants to focus on their achievements while they develop their self-assurance. Harriet uses her current position to evaluate her achievements while she builds better coping mechanisms to help her sustain her recovery process. Research studies on group psychotherapy demonstrate that these therapeutic factors receive strong validation (Yalom & Leszcz, 2020).

I am located in Miami, Florida, and three local agencies that could support Harriet include Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, New Hope CORPS, and South Miami Hospital Addiction Treatment Services. The selected agencies deliver complete healthcare services which treat patients who suffer from both mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital offers a wide range of outpatient and inpatient services, making it a strong option if Harriet needs additional support. New Hope CORPS provides its primary focus to help people recover from addiction while preventing them from relapsing, which fits her long- term sobriety needs. South Miami Hospital Addiction Treatment Services provides medically integrated care, which is especially beneficial given her need for coordinated surgical and pain management.

Overall, Harriet’s case highlights the importance of balancing effective pain management with relapse prevention. With a thorough assessment, supportive family involvement, group therapy, and access to local resources, Harriet can safely navigate her recovery while maintaining her sobriety.