Explain the characteristics and complexities associated with assessment and treatment of co-occurring disorders.
Describe challenges associated with the case of Elena.
If you were creating a 30-day treatment plan for Elena, identify two short-term goals based on challenges that Elena is facing. Include an action step that you would include in her treatment plan.
Post your completed Treatment Plan.
Elena is a 44-year-old hearing-impaired Latina female who was admitted to the inpatient treatment facility for alcohol dependence where you are a counselor working with people with addictions. During her admission, Elena expressed reluctance to undergo treatment, stating that her family did not approve of counseling or psychiatric services because they see it as a sign of weakness. During her admission, she began crying and had difficulty stopping. She stated that her husband left her and that her two teenage children were home alone. Elena was inebriated, under emotional distress, and ended up being carried to her assigned room by two staff members.
Your psychosocial intake assessment revealed Elena is also manifesting signs and symptoms of a major depressive disorder. You know that Elena needs help with her alcohol addiction, but you also know that her depression might be a cause or an effect of alcoholism.
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Here are the challenges associated with the case of Elena:
- Elena's reluctance to undergo treatment is a common challenge in the treatment of co-occurring disorders. People with co-occurring disorders may be reluctant to seek treatment because they may not believe that they have a problem, they may be afraid of the stigma associated with mental illness, or they may not have access to treatment.
- Elena's family's disapproval of counseling or psychiatric services is another common challenge. Families may not understand the importance of treatment for co-occurring disorders, or they may believe that counseling or psychiatric services are not necessary.
- Elena's emotional distress is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed in her treatment plan. She is likely feeling a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and anxiety. These emotions can make it difficult for her to participate in treatment.
- Elena's hearing impairment is another challenge that needs to be addressed in her treatment plan. She may need to have services and materials provided in a format that she can understand.
- The fact that Elena's husband left her and that her two teenage children are home alone is a major stressor in her life. She is likely feeling overwhelmed and alone. These stressors can make it difficult for her to focus on her treatment.
If I were creating a 30-day treatment plan for Elena, I would identify two short-term goals based on the challenges that she is facing:
Goal 1: Elena will express her feelings about her husband leaving her and her children being home alone in a healthy way.
- Action step: Elena will attend group therapy sessions where she can talk about her feelings with other people who understand what she is going through.
Goal 2: Elena will reduce her alcohol intake by 50%.
- Action step: Elena will meet with her counselor weekly to discuss her progress and develop strategies for reducing her alcohol intake.
The treatment plan would also include other components, such as medication management, individual therapy, and case management. The specific components of the treatment plan would be tailored to Elena's individual needs.
Here is a completed Treatment Plan for Elena:
Patient Name: Elena Age: 44 Gender: Female Diagnosis: Alcohol dependence, major depressive disorder Treatment Goals: * Elena will express her feelings about her husband leaving her and her children being home alone in a healthy way. * Elena will reduce her alcohol intake by 50%. Treatment Plan: * Individual therapy: Elena will meet with her counselor weekly to discuss her progress and develop strategies for reducing her alcohol intake and coping with her emotional distress. * Group therapy: Elena will attend group therapy sessions where she can talk about her feelings with other people who understand what she is going through. * Medication management: Elena will meet with her psychiatrist to discuss her medication and make sure that she is taking it as prescribed. * Case management: Elena will work with a case manager to develop a plan for her discharge from the treatment facility and to connect her with resources in the community.
This is just a sample treatment plan, and the specific components of the treatment plan would be tailored to Elena's individual needs. It is important to note that treatment for co-occurring disorders can be challenging, but it is possible to achieve recovery. With the right treatment, Elena can overcome her alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder and live a healthy and fulfilling life.