PSYC FPX 4300 assessment 2

Intervention: Sam & Brad’s Drug-Fueled Codependency

Introduction

In the spotlight episode of Season 19, Episode 1, Sam and Brad’s intervention was showcased. Samantha was 28 years old and had hepatitis C, a disease spread mostly by needle sharing, that can cause liver failure. Her history of migraine and subsequent excessive use of analgesics, beginning in high school, was the precursor to her eventual addiction to prescription opioids. Brad, conversely, developed a heroin addiction after a major accident at the age of 22. They met, both with opioid addiction, which eventually culminated in a codependent relationship based on drugs (Browne et al., 2019).

Addiction Concepts and Relevant Criteria

A look at opioid use disorder criteria, with consideration of the changes proposed by Koob (2019), clarifies the case of Sam and Brad. The increase in opioid addiction and associated deaths across the world has initiated efforts to counteract the dangers of opioid prescriptions (Klimas et al., 2019). Sam and Brad both have symptoms of addiction, such as uncontrollable use and withdrawal. Their medical backgrounds, added to opioid use, make their addiction more complex (Eichmeyer & Zhang, 2022).

Meeting Substance Use Disorder Criteria

Based on the DSM-5, drug addiction is characterized by maladaptive behaviors that severely compromise social functioning and general well-being. Opioid addiction, a chronic illness, can result in serious personal and social problems (Arterberry et al., 2019). In spite of their different health conditions, both Sam and Brad display behaviors characteristic of opioid addiction. Their codependent relationship is drug-centered, further complicating their condition (Boyda et al., 2020).

Current Stage of Addiction

Moving from dependence on substances to recovery involves a difficult process. Sam and Brad’s codependency has now become the bedrock of their relationship, making it difficult for them to get sober. The health complications faced by Brad, such as liver toxicity and hepatitis C, reflect the gravity of their condition (Messina & Worley, 2019).

Appropriateness of Rehabilitation

Notwithstanding their family support, Sam and Brad find it hard to seek treatment as a group at first. They finally resort to different types of rehabilitation programs to treat individual needs. Residential and inpatient programs provide regimen-based care that helps individuals defeat drug dependency (Beetham et al., 2021).

Conclusion

Sam and Brad’s path to drug addiction serves as a reminder of the necessity of responsible prescribing practices for opioids. Their connected struggles emphasize the complexity of addiction and the absolute necessity of full treatment strategies.

PSYC FPX 4300 Assessment 2 Off to the Intervention We go

Koob, G. F. (2019). Neurobiology of opioid addiction: opponent process, hyperkatifeia, and negative reinforcement. Biological Psychiatry, 87(1).

Messina, B. G., & Worley, M. J. (2019). Effects of craving on opioid use are attenuated after pain-coping counseling in adults with chronic pain and prescription opioid addiction. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 87(10), 918–926.

Soffin, E. M., Lee, B. H., Kumar, K. K., & Wu, C. L. (2018). The prescription opioid crisis: Role of the anaesthesiologist in reducing opioid use and misuse. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 122(6).

Strang, J., Volkow, N. D., Degenhardt, L., Hickman, M., Johnson, K., Koob, G. F., Marshall, B. D. L., Tyndall, M., & Walsh, S. L. (2020). Opioid use disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 6(1), 1–28.

Wang, S.-C., Chen, Y.-C., Lee, C.-H., & Cheng, C.-M. (2019). opioid addiction, genetic