PSYC FPX 4300 assessment 1

Diagnostic Assessment: Substance Use Evaluation for Alex

Client Name: Alex

Assessment Date: 28/06/2023

Substance Use History: Yes

Drug

Follow-on Question:

Have These Drugs Ever Been Used In Combination?

No, my client only used one pill of Adderall daily. However, she confessed to doubling or tripling the dose during periods of increased stress. Notably, she never tried combining Adderall with alcohol, cocaine, or Xanax. These combinations were kept away because they posed a threat of potential danger, such as a fast and irregular heartbeat that could cause arrhythmia, increased blood pressure, and a chance of heart attack or stroke. The research clearly indicates that keeping away from the combination of these medications was important for Alex’s health. Additionally, it highlights the significance of thoroughly tracking drug use in order to ensure the health of the patient (Teter et al., 2006).

Medical Concerns

Alex’s regular use of Adderall and increasing the dosage level during stressful situations reflects drug addiction. Addiction is understood as the loss of control and the commission of harmful acts concerning substance use disorder. Alex’s addiction is of moderate level, as reflected in her substance-induced depressive disorders (Hartney, 2022).

The consequences of Adderall dependence are heightened levels of norepinephrine and dopamine as a result of inhibition of neurotransmitter reabsorption. It causes stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, and there is a fight-or-flight response due to rapid heart rate, dilated eyes, vasodilation, profuse sweating, and activation of the nervous system. The interaction of Adderall with alcohol causes dehydration and elevated blood pressure, which may result in myocardial infarction. Moreover, chronic Adderall addiction can lead to permanent kidney damage as a result of increased blood supply and vessel calcification. The incessant restlessness caused by the fight-or-flight response can lead to anxiety and the onset of other mental disorders (Tardner, 2022).

Family and Family History

Alex’s family history reveals alcoholism in her father and Xanax use for anxiety by her mother. While there is no direct link between these substances and Adderall, the family history of addictive behaviors could have played a role in Alex’s predisposition towards Adderall as a stress management method for her anxiety (Alhammad et al., 2022).

Current Additional Status to Consider

Alex’s educational stress and need to fund college have also fueled her anxiety. Having friends who are similarly addicted to Adderall further aggravates the issue, and her parents’ own issues have left her feeling unsupported in her battle.

Treatment Recommendation

For efficient management of Alex’s substance use issue, there is a need for a motivational and supportive approach. Detoxification may be thought to facilitate her withdrawal from the addiction and detoxify her body. Counseling, including Behavior Change Counseling (BCC), can also be useful in tackling the psychological aspects of her addiction and assisting her in managing academic pressure (Erkekoglu & Ogawa, 2021; Dragomir et al., 2019).

Ethical Consideration

As a minor, Alex’s confidentiality and consent need to be honored throughout treatment. It would be unethical to share any information regarding her substance abuse without her permission. Nursing practitioners should take a caring, protective, and advocating approach with the patient (Braun et al., 2020).

Conclusion

In summary, Alex, a 15-year-old female, is suffering from substance use disorder in the form of an addiction to Adderall. Her academic pressure and absence of a strong support system have led her to become dependent on the drug. A thorough treatment plan including detoxification, counseling, and motivational support will be necessary to treat Alex and move her towards recovery from her addiction and a healthier and more rewarding lifestyle.

PSYC FPX 4300 Assessment 1 Whats Your Problem

Hartney, E. (August 25, 2022). DSM 5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/dsm-5-criteria-for-substance-use-disorders-21926

Tardner, P. (April 5, 2022). Adderall and Depression. International Journal of Emergency Science and Technology. https://www.ijest.org/nootropics/adderall-and-depression/

Teter, C. J., McCabe, S. E., LaGrange, K., Cranford, J. A., & Boyd, C. J. (2006). Illicit use of specific prescription stimulants among college students: Prevalence, motives, and routes of administration. Pharmacotherapy, 26(10), 1501–1510. https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.26.10.1501