Identify which model or theory you are basing your conceptualization from

Case Conceptualization Assignment Instructions

Here is the case study for this assignment:

Joan was adopted at age 15 into a wealthy family. Her birth mother had a history of emotional problems and Joan’s adoptive parents are concerned because there is a family history of alcohol/drug addiction for Joan. Joan hated her birth father, not only for beating her and her mother, but also because her father sexually violated Joan. Her father had a negative attitude about everyone. He frequently blamed others for his own misfortune. He then had an excuse to hit the bottle. Her father would create conflicts at home so he could leave the house, hit the bars, and get drunk.

Joan, now 16 years old, was coming to counseling for an alcohol/drug evaluation. She was drunk at a party at her private high school. The parents described Joan’s behavior as erratic, sometimes very loving and sensitive, and at other times explosively angry and out of control. Joan was not adhering to simple boundaries that her parents had established (e.g., ignoring curfew, not calling if she is going to be late). They knew Joan was smoking marijuana but were unable to prevent her from using it.

Joan reported that she smokes marijuana at parties because it makes her feel relaxed and it makes it easier for her to flirt with guys and feel seductive. Joan also stated that her school was pressuring students in her grade to begin looking into colleges and to prepare to take college entrance exams. Joan does not feel like she is ‘college material’ because she isn’t originally from a wealthy family and none of her family members went to school beyond the ninth grade. Joan repeatedly referred to herself as ‘white trash’ and stated that it was only a matter of time until she “became her parents.” Therefore Joan did not perceive her marijuana use as very problematic, rather as an inevitable part of her future.

Part I:

Read the following case study example of an individual admitted to a hospital to receive treatment for substance use. While you are reading, consider the various biological, psychological, and sociological (or environmental) factors that may have contributed to this individual’s development of a substance use disorder. Using your knowledge of the various models of substance use and theories of drug use presented in Chapter 2 of your textbook, conceptualize this individual’s case from the perspective of at least one model or theory of substance use. That is, explain why this individual may have developed a substance use disorder according to the models or theories of your choosing (e.g. Is there a genetic explanation for this disorder? Did the individual’s personality put them more at risk for development of a substance use disorder?). There are many possible risk factors present in this case for you to choose from.

For each model or theory from which you conceptualize this individual’s case, please do the following:

1. Identify which model or theory you are basing your conceptualization from.
2. Identify which factors specifically are relevant to the chosen models or theories. (For example, if you were using a personality theory, is the individual perfectionistic? Compulsive?)
3. Provide evidence that these factors are indeed present in this client’s case study.
4. Describe how the factors relevant to your chosen model or theory have contributed to the client’s development of a substance use disorder.

You must complete all four steps for each model or theory of conceptualization in order to receive full credit among the completion section of the rubric (see rubric below).

Part II:

Now that we have reviewed motivators to change substance abuse behaviors and effective treatment options for substance abuse, I would like each of you to design a treatment plan for Joan based on the information covered in previous modules. Please address the following in your response:

• What would you recommend Joan’s parents do to communicate with Joan about her marijuana use? Explain why. At which stage of change would you say Joan is currently in? What are the therapist’s motivational tasks based on this stage? How would a therapist accomplish these (i.e. motivational strategies to use)? Please be sure to include the stage of change and NOT stage of substance use.
• What do you think could be some obstacles to Joan during treatment? What are some of Joan’s strengths that could benefit her during treatment?
• What can Joan’s therapist do to help prevent Joan from relapsing?

Assignment Expectations and Grading Criteria

This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of the material through a formal writing assignment. In order to receive an A, the writer must meet the criteria presented in Excellent column on the rubric (see last page of this document). Please take the time to review the rubric to make sure you are incorporating all the major grading criteria.

This paper must be 4-5 pages in length.

Please write your answers in paragraph form, in 12-point font, times-new roman, and double-spaced. Points will be taken away if answers are submitted in bullet point form or in incomplete-sentences.

Be sure to include a cover page and a reference page. Cover and reference pages are not included in the page requirement. An abstract is not necessary.

Assignments must be submitted in APA format, and all sources used (including lecture slides or the textbook) must be cited and referenced. Here is a useful website that outlines APA formatting: APA Citations

Paper must include two credible outside resources that support the information that you are presenting. You may choose to look up articles presented in the text and/or PowerPoints, however, you must read the article before citing the information.

This assignment is worth 100 points.