For the paper, choose a fictional character. This “client” may be from a movie, TV show, or book. DO NOT use someone you actually know.
Make sure you clearly outline your chosen character in the form of an intake. Sufficient history will be needed. Give an overall summary of the film/show/book and discuss how it does/does not reflect reality and how it does not reflect reality of many individuals struggling with addiction.
Identify an appropriate screening instrument(s) to evaluate the client’s diagnosis, stage of dependence, change, or recovery. Please justify your choice of instrument.
Provide an appropriate DSM-5 diagnosis that considers differential diagnoses and prognosis. Please justify and support your diagnoses. NOTE: If you do not have a copy of the DSM-5, please find one to borrow.
Utilize the ASAM criteria to assess your client using the 6 ASAM Domains. Rate your client for each of the domains as low, medium, or high risk and discuss your rationale for your ratings.
Determine the ASAM level of care that you would recommend for this client (inpatient/ intensive outpatient/ outpatient counseling/self-help, etc) and discuss your rationale for why your client needs this level of care.
Describe appropriate treatment modalities and recommendations. For example: Group vs. individual approaches in addictions counseling – Discuss the advantages/benefits/strengths and disadvantages/weaknesses/challenges associated with using these theoretical approaches and techniques in both group vs. individual addictions counseling.
Based upon the information presented above, provide a rationale for treatment of your client based on your conceptualization and etiology of addiction.
Include brief descriptions and review of the literature related to the theories or models that you would use in counseling your client.
Efficacy of the theory in practice – Discuss current research findings and professional literature on the effectiveness of these theories or models as they relate to and/or inform the practice of addictions counseling.
Integrate addictions counseling and mental health counseling – Compare and contrast your theoretical approach to addictions counseling with traditional mental health counseling.
For some of the characters, you may need to consider/address issues including:
The interaction of Sex and Drugs
Family Conflict / Family Love
Weight Loss
Genetics vs. Environment
Criminal Activity
Energy and Depression
The effects of the drugs themselves
Other concerns you identify
Summary – Include a synthesis of the previous topics you discussed throughout the paper.
References In addition to the course text, a minimum of 4 resources (from professional, peer-reviewed literature resources—not websites), must be used. Wikipedia, psychology today, or other similar sources are NOT acceptable.
This paper should be 8-10 pages in length (Not including title or reference page) and needs to include the use of headings. An abstract is not required. Paper must be in APA format, including properly formatted cover page with running heads, headings, citations, and reference page. It will be evaluated based upon the rubric attached under content.
Overall writing (punctuation, spelling, grammar, diction, etc.) & APA format.
CACREP 2016 Standards Addressed:
5 CMHC C.1.d. Foundations of neurobiological and medical foundation and etiology of addiction and co-occurring disorders
5 CMHC C.2.e. Contextual dimensions of potential for substance use disorders to mimic and/or co-occur with a variety of neurological, medical, and psychological disorders
2.F.3.d. Theories and etiology of addictions and addictive behaviors
2.F.5.k. Strategies to promote client understanding of and access to a variety of community-based resources
Final Project Scoring Rubric:
Category
Scoring Criteria
Total Points
Score
Paper Content
Response to all prompts/areas covered as directed in instructions.
5
Thorough background information provided about character. 5
Identification and rationale for screening instruments recommended for evaluation of character. 5
Case Conceptualization
Demonstrates appropriate diagnosis, ASAM patient placement, and treatment recommendations for identified character.
8
Professional Presentation
Demonstrated appropriate graduate-level professional writing, as evidenced by overall cohesion, grammar, syntax, style, and organization. APA style and format utilized. Four references used and cited appropriately. 4
Score
