HSV534-DBs Unit 6

Unit 6 Discussions

DB 6.1

The debate over whether individuals in recovery can take psychotropic medications while still being considered “clean and sober” is highly contentious. Those against taking medication argue that it introduces substances that can be potentially addictive, contradicting the ethos of being substance-free. They fear that reliance on any substance, even prescribed medication, undermines the principles of total abstinence that many recovery programs advocate. Conversely, others believe that psychotropic medications are useful in treating secondary mental disorders like depression or anxiety states, which often accompany substance use disorders. They argue that if these problems are not solved, which should be done through the necessary medical interventions, the chance of relapse rises. Antipsychotics and antidepressants can help the patient maintain an emotionally stable state and can work as a means to facilitate recovery.

Regarding the medication, it is crucial to point out that clients with a dual diagnosis need psychotropic medication. They can address conditions that, otherwise, may cause the patient to regress or sabotage their treatment. Failure to attend to mental health concerns is also unhealthy because some people’s symptoms will force them back to drugs as a way of coping with their struggles (Ali et al., 2023).

As for medications related to physical ailments, the stigma and controversy seem to diminish significantly; many argue that taking drugs for physical illnesses like diabetes or hypertension does not affect one’s ability to quit alcohol (Stewart et al., 2022). This is an issue that raises some questions about the differences between mental and physical health in the context of recovery.

Notably, a bipolar disorder patient may need to take mood stabilizers for their condition. Without these, extreme mood swings could trigger a relapse of substance use. Likewise, a person with a severe anxiety disorder might require medication to avoid developing panic attacks that might make them turn to alcohol or drugs to calm themselves.

References

Ali, M., Elhassan, M., Ahmed, A. E., Ali, S. A., Baiti, M. A., Alhazmi, A. A., Hussain, A., Majrabi, R. Q., Qasem, N., Hakami, A. A., Rafa Alqaari, Alhasani, R. A., & Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab. (2023). Psychotropic medication adherence and its associated factors among schizophrenia patients: Exploring the consistency of adherence scales. Cureus, 67. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.46118

Stewart, S.-J. F., Moon, Z., & Horne, R. (2022). Medication nonadherence: Health impact, prevalence, correlates and interventions. Psychology & Health, 38(6), 1–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2022.2144923

DB 6.2

There are many reasons why physicians feel reluctant to recommend non-narcotic analgesics or other forms of therapy. One is the belief that narcotic pain medicines are ideal for treating severe pain, even if they are addictive. Furthermore, there exists poor knowledge and preparedness concerning other forms of managing pain among healthcare professionals. Still, crucial to the management of dual diagnosis is that doctors should employ a biological and psychological model when managing a patient. This includes carrying out a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation and reporting to the patient (Anees Bahji, 2024). Non-pharmacological and non-opioid therapies like physical therapy, psychotherapy and other non-opioid medicines should be used first.

Clients often “doctor shop” to obtain prescription medications due to addiction-driven behaviors and the desire for specific drugs that they know will provide the relief they seek, whether for pain or psychological distress. This behavior underscores the need for integrated care and communication among healthcare providers to prevent abuse.

Through the provision of client care and support, access to other treatment options and care coordination, human service providers influence this matter by creating awareness among clients by educating them against the use of narcotic medications. However, they can worsen the situation if they do not notice the signs of abuse or if they do not interact with other healthcare workers (National Academies of Sciences et al., 2019).

References

Anees Bahji. (2024). Navigating the complex intersection of substance use and psychiatric disorders: A comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(4), 999–999. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13040999

National Academies of Sciences, E., Division, H. and M., Policy, B. on H. S., Services, B. on H. C., Illness, R. on Q. C. for P. with S., Alper, J., Olchefske, I., & Graig, L. (2019, May 1). Proceedings of a Workshop. Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544145/

DB 6.3

Treating teens with co-occurring disorders is often more challenging than treating adults due to several factors. Adolescents are still developing cognitively and emotionally, making them more vulnerable to the effects of substances and mental health disorders. They also face unique pressures related to identity formation, peer influence, and family dynamics. Accordingly, teens may need more individual and family interventions. The treatment plan must take into account the stage of development of the adolescent and include family therapy in case of system issues. It is especially important to prevent such situations because timely intervention can change a young person’s destiny (Colizzi et al., 2020).

An influx of prevention-friendly measures like conducting school campaigns, community-focused programs, and educating families can go a long way. For example, methods such as teaching coping skills and resilience enable teens to deal with life challenges by avoiding substance use (Liu et al., 2023). Notably, a teen with anxiety may decide to use marijuana so that they can feel relaxed during activities that are socially related. If this teen is provided with intervention from the time with the help of therapy sessions and with the support of the family, they are unlikely to seek solace in substance use and thus can escape substance use disorders.

References

Colizzi, M., Lasalvia, A., & Ruggeri, M. (2020). Prevention and early intervention in youth mental health: Is it time for a multidisciplinary and trans-diagnostic model for care? International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 14(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-020-00356-9

Liu, X.-Q., Guo, Y.-X., & Wang, X. (2023). Delivering substance use prevention interventions for adolescents in educational settings: A scoping review. World Journal of Psychiatry, 13(7), 409–422. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v13.i7.409

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Question

HSV534-DBs Unit 6

DB 6.1

Many individuals who are in self-help groups have adopted the belief that taking psychotropic medication would prevent the person from being “clean and sober” in recovery. Based on the required reading, what are your thoughts on this highly debated topic? What is the argument for those “against taking medication” while in recovery? What is the argument for those in “favor of taking medication” while in recovery and still being considered “clean and sober?” How does this specifically impact individuals with co-occurring disorders? Is there any difference when the person in recovery takes a medication for a physical condition? Please be sure to use clear examples to support your statements.

NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.

DB 6.2

Often times, clients will have many complicated psychological and physical conditions. For example, a client might be schizophrenic but also have physical ailments such as back pain, HIV, diabetes, etc. Many of these clients are also considered to be dually diagnosed but are often given “permission” (from their perspective) to continue to “use.” The client will often not disclose their status as being substance dependent to his/her doctor when discussing medication options. As a result, the doctor will write prescriptions for potentially habit forming medication in which the client will abuse. Additionally, the client could also request medical treatments/procedures (pain-related procedures such as medication pumps or pain patches which use habit forming medications) which also contribute to the client’s desire to abuse substances. Many times doctors are unsure how to best treat a client with multiple conditions and are misguided by the client’s untruthful self-reports. In thinking about this complicated issue, please reflect upon your required readings and also the short videos required this unit. Why don’t more doctors use non-narcotic pain medications or alternative methods in trying to manage chronic pain in addicts (or a host of complicated medical and psychological issues)? How do you think that doctors should approach treating an individual with a co-occurring disorder on your readings, etc.? Why do you think clients will often “doctor shop” or engage in complicated methods to obtain prescription medications? How do you think human service providers both help and contribute to this complicated issue?

DB 6.3

The teenage years are historically filled with turmoil both internally and externally. Some teens may develop a reliance on alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medications to cope with their life experiences. Anxiety and Mood Disorders can often accompany a substance dependence diagnosis if the teen develops an addiction while trying to cope with the pressures of this stage of life development. In thinking about the reading and videos for this unit, do you think it is more “difficult” to treat teens who have co-occurring disorders than adults with the same diagnosis? What are some issues which you believe to be “different” for teens versus adults with co-occurring disorders? How should human service providers approach the treatment of teens differently than adults? Where might prevention efforts have made a difference based on the article below? Please provide real-life examples to help support your claims.

Substance Use and Dependence Among Teens: