Applying Models for Addictions Case Management in a Power Point Presentation

Case Management in Addictions

Week 3 – Harry’s Story

Program Transcript

Harry is a 32-year-old male who works at a local restaurant as a busboy. He has recently

been arrested for breaking and entering with the intent of stealing things he could pawn to

make money. He appeared to be somewhat disorientated when arrested, but he did not fail

the alcohol sobriety test. After being arraigned on $100 bail, the judge—saying that this

would be his last warning before being sent to state prison—ordered him to undergo drug

treatment assessment.

Harry seems friendly, but he makes little eye contact and shifts frequently in his chair. He is

a high school graduate with a low C average, and he admits to not liking school. He says

he had problems concentrating in class and did not do well with reading. Prior to the

restaurant job, he worked odd jobs, adding that nothing much has held his interest. He has

found it hard to find and hold a job that is more permanent. He opens up about being

confused and frightened, and feels he does not know what to do with his life.

Harry blames most of his problems on others. He has always felt that he does not fit in.

He often gets into fights and has been to jail before for disorderly conduct. But he has

never been to state prison. His father died when he was 6, and his mother never

remarried. He admits she did the best she could to raise him. But his mother worked a

lot. And for much of Harry’s free time, he was on his own.

When asked about his drug use he says he has indulged in many street drugs as well as

tobacco and alcohol, but he does not feel he has a problem. He admits to having been high

on marijuana when he was arrested, but he feels he will have no trouble quitting. He claims

drugs help him concentrate and that his lack of quitting is by choice. Harry attributes his

increased use to being older and bigger and needing more to feel high.

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