Case Study Part I Aaliyah is a 25-year-old

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Case Study Part I Aaliyah is a 25-year-old, single, Caucasian woman, who lives in an apartment with a friend. Aaliyah moved out of her parents’ house at 18, after completing high school, to remove herself from her father’s alcohol use. Aaliyah smokes cigarettes and drinks alcohol occasionally.

Aaliyah is dissatisfied with her current job. She works full time as an administrative assistant at a contracting company, but she is ready for a career change. Aaliyah has decided to return to school to pursue a degree in criminal justice. She will be working and taking classes at the same time, fitting her school schedule around her work schedule.

During her first session of school, Aaliyah notices that she is having difficulty staying awake to complete her schoolwork at night after a full workday. Aaliyah does not want her grades to fall, as her education is very important to her. However, she cannot afford to reduce her work hours. Her roommate makes Aaliyah coffee at night to help her stay awake. Soon, Aaliyah is drinking three or more cups of coffee a night to help her stay awake to complete her schoolwork.

Case Study Part II Aaliyah continues to struggle with balancing her work hours and her schoolwork. She has been drinking coffee to help her stay awake, but it is no longer working. She has an exam coming up and needs to stay up to study.

Aaliyah decides to take an amphetamine to stay awake to study for the exam. She promises herself that she will only take it this one time for the exam. The drug allows her to stay awake and alert while she is studying for the exam. She also feels that she is learning the material better as a result of the amphetamine. When the grades are in, Aaliyah receives an A on her work.

As the semester continues, Aaliyah turns to amphetamines more and more often to help her stay awake to complete her schoolwork. Soon, Aaliyah finds that one pill no longer keeps her awake as long as she needs.

She starts taking more than one pill at a time. She knows that taking amphetamines so often is not good for her health, and she finds she experiences an increase in headaches when she takes them, but she continues to take them because they are helping her be successful in school and at work.

Case Study Part III Aaliyah had been taking amphetamines regularly for two months and had been experiencing the physiological, psychological, and toxic effects of chronic amphetamine use.  She had started drinking alcohol to help her sleep at night.

One morning she was driving to work and feeling the effects of a hangover from the night before.  She was not concentrating on the road, and ran into the back of a car that had stopped in front of her. Luckily, none of the people involved in the accident was seriously injured.

Page 2 of 2 Introduction to Addictions and Addictive Behavior ©2011 Argosy University Online Programs
2 Case Study Details

This incident served as a “wake up call” for Aaliyah, and she decided to get help for her problems.  However, because she is now using both amphetamines and alcohol, she is not sure what treatment program to enter.

Aaliyah would like to help other people avoid the troubles caused by drugs. She would like to give a presentation at her college to discuss her experiences and give students several prevention options, as well as ways to tell if their friends or loved ones have a drug problem

 

 

Assignment 1: LASA 2—Prevention Strategies

Treatment programs cannot always be 100% effective, and many substance abusers relapse into drug abuse after days, months, or even years of sobriety. With the marginal success of treatment programs, it is even more important that people never start using drugs. As such, prevention strategies are of utmost importance.

 

Review the case study. Using your module readings and the Argosy University online library resources, research methods of increasing awareness about substance abuse and dependence.

Develop a PowerPoint presentation including the following:

  • Identify and describe two prevention strategies.
  • Explain ways of determining whether loved ones have a problem with drugs using the current DSM characteristics of substance use disorders.
  • Address the effectiveness of current treatment strategies in the United States.
  • Explain polysubstance abuse.
  • Address the possible treatment options and treatment difficulties for someone who is dependent on two substances.

Develop an 8–10-slide presentation (complete with speakers notes) in PowerPoint format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Be sure to include a title slide and a list of references. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M5_A1.ppt. By Week 5, Day 5, deliver your assignment to the M5: Assignment 1 Dropbox.

Description of health indicators & disparities

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You are to develop a 5-page (not including title, abstract, and reference pages), APA-style research paper on health indicators of a specific cultural group.  Analyze and describe how health disparities seen in the selected group impacts morbidity and mortality at the individual, group, community, and societal levels.

Be sure to include:

  • Title Page
  • Abstract
  • Introduction to the problem and its significance
  • Description of health indicators & disparities
  • Description of health beliefs, health behaviors and contributing factors
  • Recommendations for improving health care and reducing disparities in the selected group
  • Conclusion
  • Reference page (not part of page count).  Use at least 5 scholarly sources; websites may be included but do not count towards your  scholarly sources.  Do not use .com or wikipedia, rather, Use .gov, .org, and . edu websites.

feedback

 

cite any statement you present as facts- there are a numberof such statements about black youth that are not cited

Running Head: MENTAL HEALTH OF BLACK TEENAGERS 1

MENTAL HEALTH OF BLACK TEENAGERS 6

 

 

 

 

 

Mental health of black teenagers

(Students’ Name)

(Institutional Affiliations)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Mental health is crucial for the effective performance and productivity of an individual. Without proper mental, a society can perish because its people cannot think and execute duties efficiently. Mental illnesses had been rampant in this generation considering the statistics conducted and the number of suicide and ill vices taking place within the society. The most commonly reported cases of mental illnesses are depression and anxiety. It is quite dangerous when teenagers suffer from mental illnesses because they are at a crucial stage in their lives when they are supposed to make the right decision and build their futures (Merikangas & Swendsen, 2010). The most affected group with cases of mental disorders happening to be black American youths from rough backgrounds because research shows that depression is rising among young people, especially black female middle scholars. According to many scholars, many black kids are dying from suicide, and this is a worrying trend.

Mental health and suicide

Mental health is very significant to a person’s well-being because they need to form interpersonal relationships and live fulfilling lives. Teenagers are sensitive to pressure and external factors within their surroundings, and thus they have to be properly counseled and where necessary, put under the watch of a psychiatrist for them to manage such a difficult stage of their lives. Many black youths have been committing suicide at an alarming rate, and that has to be addressed. Apart from police brutality and lack of proper health care, suicide attempts and depression is quite a disturbing issue among black teenagers (Merikangas & Swendsen, 2010). According to the Centre for disease control and prevention white people still report the highest number of suicide cases, however it has been noted that suicide rates among black youths have gone up over the recent years. More black youths have been killing themselves even more than elders, and that’s a dangerous trend.

Having a mental disorder has been closely related to suicidal attempts, and it has been noted that black teens with anxiety disorders were more likely to attempt suicide. On top of that, depression has been affecting more black teens over the past few years than back in 10 years. Depression is a serious mental health issue that negatively impacts the lives of young black teens and leads them to suicidal attempts. It is quite important for the various health institutions and black parents to have ways of countering this mental problem that affects black teenagers. One of the most effective ways of handling depression is through cultural or religious practices like prayers. These are important in decreasing suicide and offering social support (Zielinski, 2016). Many black youths lack a sense of belonging and this pushes them to other sources of incitement like drugs which in turn leave them feeling empty and worthless. It is very important for black youths to be mentored in social places and filled with hope for them to have a purpose in life.

Depression

Another way of dealing with depression among black youths is to engage them in family activities within the community. Black youths need to identify with development programs within their community to appreciate their lives and stay off negative thinking that leads to depression. When black youths feel left out and worthless in the society, they are likely to develop suicidal thoughts. One of the main issue affecting black youths is the lack of an environment that support open communication and non-judgemental attitude towards problems. Many black youths find it hard to open up to their parents or close relatives because of the fear of being judged and the victimization any issue that portrays “weakness” or a struggle with something ( Zielinski, 2016). Many mental health issues that affect black youths can be countered if openness is encouraged.

 

Treatment

According to Dr. Anne Glowinski, who is child psychiatry, there is number of black teens suffering depression than is presently being detected and treated. This is the situation despite a call for health providers to concentrate more on preventing suicide. Prevention of suicide includes more detection of depression that is an indicator of suicidal tendencies. This means that there haven’t been enough focus on the identification and treatment of mental illness in the health industry especially on young black males (Turner, 2015). One of the main barriers to treating depression is that many youths are not even aware of the symptoms of depression and thus fail to seek treatment. This shows that there is room for college counselors, parents and healthcare providers to step up and create awareness of the signs and symptoms of depressions so that teenagers can identify when they are going through such. On top of that, more information on mental illnesses needs to impart on young blacks so that they can be aware of their mental health.

The most effective and proven way to deal with mental health is to get a therapist. Very few black teenagers have access to the therapist as compared to teenagers from other racial groups. Considering that black teenagers find it hard to open up to their parents and teachers on personal issues, it will be helpful to create links between therapists and teenagers in black neighborhoods. There are so many stigmas associated with mental illnesses, and that is a barrier when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. For there to be an effective treatment of mental illnesses, it is important for teenagers to find a neutral and non-judgemental environment where they can express their personal issues. Such an environment can only be provided by therapists and psychologists. Mental illness is quite a sensitive issue and can only be addressed by a professional who understands the psychology of somebody going through such a condition.

 

Conclusion

The mental health of any teenager is quite important considering that they are at a stage in their lives where they need to plan and strategise for their future endeavours. Many cases of mental illnesses among black teenagers go unnoticed and only become realized when it affects their physical health. This is because there is no awareness within the black community on what mental illness entail and how to diagnose and treat it effectively. More access to therapists, education on mental health and strong bond between parents and kids need to be formed to deal with mental health among black youths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Merikangas, K. R., He, J. P., Burstein, M., Swanson, S. A., Avenevoli, S., Cui, L., … & Swendsen, J. (2010). Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in US adolescents: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication–Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(10), 980-989.

 

Zielinski, A (2016). Why Are so Many Black Kids Dying From Suicide. Retrieved on 1st april, 2017 from: https://thinkprogress.org/why-are-so-many-black-kids-dying-from-suicide-6145b78764f6

Turner, E (2015). Psychology Today. Depression and Suicide in Black Youth. Early warning and signs and coping strategies for parents. Retrieved on 1st April, 2017 from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/201507/depression-and-suicide-in-black-youth

What category of substances do cocaine and amphetamine fall under, and what are the implications of this category on the body?

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Read the following two case scenarios:

Initially, Jose used cocaine only on the weekends when he was out with friends. But now he uses it every day, even when alone. Jose spends nearly his entire paycheck on his cocaine use. His wife is threatening to divorce him, and he is close to being fired from his job for underperforming. Yet, he continues to use cocaine.

Steven suffers from Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder.  In order to help him focus better at work, Steven’s doctor prescribed Adderall (amphetamine).  Initially, Steven noticed an improvement in his concentration at work.  After he had been taking Adderall for 6 months, however, recently he is starting to feel his concentration slipping again. He mentioned this to his doctor, and his doctor increased the dosage Steven was taking.  He has also noticed that if he forgets to take his medicine, he is very tired, feels depressed, and has trouble sleeping.

Based on your readings, what is your viewpoint regarding Jose’s and Steven’s substance use? Keep the following questions in mind while writing the paper:

  • What category of substances do cocaine and amphetamine fall under, and what are the implications of this category on the body?  Be sure to give the classification, DEA schedule, and physical effects.
  • How is a substance use disorder diagnosed?
  • Is Jose’s behavior evidence of a substance use disorder? Give a clear and thorough rationale for your response.
  • Is Steven’s behavior evidence of a substance use disorder? Give a clear and thorough rationale for your response.                                                                                                                            Before responding to the questions, read the information on this site.https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-cocaine

Submit a two-three page paper in Microsoft Word

Characteristics of Effective Prevention Programs

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Please no plagiarism and use at least source from the listed readings below. I need this by 10/04/17 at 5pm.

Characteristics of Effective Prevention Programs

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
–Benjamin Franklin

Mental health services can target families and couples already experiencing severe problems, those couples and families experiencing common life stage transitions, and even couples and families that have not yet shown any signs of difficulty at all. Primary prevention seeks to intervene with the latter group on a mass scale with the goal of impacting the greatest number of couples and families as possible. As attractive as primary prevention sounds, and equally common-sensical and time-honored, the development and implementation of primary preventative interventions and programs proves difficult. For instance, it is difficult to measure the impact of an intervention or program that seeks to forestall some future outcome that may be one or more years away. Fortunately, much research has been conducted on what constitutes an effective, or good, preventative intervention or program. The dilemma for mental health professionals as a whole, and for you as a future marriage, couple, and family counselor, is how to carve out space in your professional work for the creation and development of prevention programming. This is challenging because in clinical practice, the majority of time and money may be spent on tertiary prevention or remedial counseling.

To prepare for this Discussion, use the Internet to find a prevention program for an area of professional interest. Consider how this program is effective or ineffective using the characteristics of effective programs outlined in the Learning Resources.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 the title for the prevention program you selected. Describe three characteristics that make this program effective and explain why. Then, describe at least one characteristic that the program is lacking. Finally, explain how you would redesign the program to effectively incorporate the missing characteristic.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Required Resources

Readings

  • Article: Bond, L. A., & Carmola-Hauf, A. M. (2004). Taking stock and putting stock in primary prevention: Characteristics of effective programs. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 24(3), 199–221.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
  • Article: Kumpfer, K. L., Alvarado, R., Smith, P., & Bellamy, N. (2002). Cultural sensitivity and adaptation in family-based prevention interventions. Prevention Science, 3(3), 241–246.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
  • Article: Larson, J. (2007). Couple enrichment approaches. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 6(1/2), 197–206.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
  • Article: Stith, S., Pruitt, I., Dees, J., Fronce, M., Green, N. Som, A., & Linkh, D. (2006). Implementing community-based prevention programming: A review of the literature. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 27(6), 599–617.
    Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Optional Resources

Articles

  • Sanders, M. R., Ralph, A., Sofronoff, K., Gardiner, P., Thompson, R., Dwyer, S., & Bidwell, K. (2008). Every family: A population approach to reducing behavioral and emotional problems in children making the transition to school. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 29(3), 197–222.
  • Wilson, K., Gonzalez, P., Romero, T., Henry, K., & Cerbana, C. (2010). The effectiveness of parent education for incarcerated parents: An evaluation of parenting from prison. Journal of Correctional Education, 61(2), 114–132.