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Case Study Formulation Drug And Alcohol

3. specific strategies

Although it was previously thought that cannabis was not a drug of addiction, it is now recognized that cannabis use can lead to substance dependence, according to the internationally accepted DSM-IV definition of ‘substance dependence’ .
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With this knowledge in mind, Rick could possibly display withdrawal symptoms such as
• Irritability
• Frustration
• Anxiety
• Compulsion to smoke Cannabis

1 presenting problem

Rick: Rick appears to have substance use disorder traits; his drug of choice is Cannabis.
Rick appears to be in the stage of contemplation:

Although Rick’s motivation is high and he indicates legitimately wants to cease his cannabis use, he is unsure that he will actually be able to stop. Rick appears to have a low self esteem and a lack of confidence in successfully remaining abstinence from cannabis.

Prochaska & Prochaska (1999) argue that contemplators are very ambivalent about changing; they also evaluate the pros as about equal to the cons. This appears to ring true in Rick’s case. Rick could also be hesitant about changing and appears to be unsure if altering his drug use will actually help his life situation at present.

Rick fears he cannot cope without drugs.

2. stage of change

How to help contemplators? Craving evidence. Applying the process that is appropriate to ricks stage of change is important.

Motivational interviewing techniques such as supporting his self- efficacy might be very useful as a specific intervention strategy. Helping Rick to believe that he has the potential to change may become a self fulfilling prophecy. (Miller & Rollnick,(2002)

Behavior change tends to occur when the pros and cons (benefits and costs) of doing a particular thing are weighed up and the costs are seen to be too high. But if the benefits outweigh the costs, the behavior continues. Sometimes a decision or resolution to change behavior is difficult to make and keep because of...