Quint+James-+Addiction

=Addiction and Recovery=



@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ox2u1xf5RI

= **What is the population (or type of loss) you are interested in, and why are you interested in them? Why does this population need to be addressed?** =

Recovering addicts is the population that I will address in my wiki. I'm interested in addicts because they are having a negative affect on our cities and states.The costs of crime that were attributed to drug abuse were estimated at $58.7 billion in 1992. Drug abuse was implicated in the cost analysis as the cause of 25 to 30 percent of all income-generating crime, such as burglary and robbery; 5 percent or less was attributed to alcohol problems. In contrast, alcohol abuse was implicated in 25 to 30 percent of violent crimes, with only 5 percent or less of violent crimes attributed to drug abuse. Criminal justice system costs due to drug abuse, including drug traffic control expenditures, totaled $17.4 billion.The indirect costs of drug-related crime include lost lifetime earnings of homicide victims, totaling $1.4 billion, and $2.06 billion in lost earnings for victims of nonfatal crimes.Enormous costs to society were attributed to lost income for incarcerated drug criminals and lost legitimate income when individuals instead pursue illegitimate, drug-related livelihoods. Some 460,000 drug offenders were incarcerated throughout 1992, for a calculated loss of potential productivity of $17.9 billion. What the analysts call the costs of "crime careers" were set at $19.2 billion in 1992. This figure assumes the equivalent of 600,000 drug abusers and drug traffickers dropping out of full-time, legitimate jobs to earn their living from predatory or consensual crime, such as drug trafficking and prostitution.Social welfare spending attributable to drug abuse-related impairments was $3.8 billion in 1992. Of that figure, administrative costs account for an estimated $337 million. Only these administrative costs are included in the report's cost estimates because cash transfer programs, such as social welfare, simply represent a redistribution of resources (NIDA NOTES). = = = **What is the primary loss**? = The loss of drug use is the primary loss for the addict.

= **What are the secondary losses?** = Loss of some family members and friends, loss of old hangouts, and the loss of a coping strategy are some secondary losses.

1. Sadness 2. Fear 3. Anger || = Processes = 1. Change is eating habits 2. Isolating one's self from positive family and friends. 3.Displaying verbal and physical aggression. || 1. Living without the use of drugs and alcohol. 2. Identifying and meeting new friends. 3. Learning new ways to deal with. = **Adaptive Processes** = 1. Reciting the Serenity Prayer 2. Attending AA/NA meetings 3.Learning effective coping skills and techniques(deep breathing and exercise || = **Processes** = 1. Identifying and participate in new activities and groups to fill the void. 2. Find people that share your interest and values. 3.Learn new coping skills and techniques. = **Maladaptive Processes** = 1. Engaging in unhealthy sex 2. Committing crimes 3. Returning to old friends and hangouts. ||
 * = Grief-Related Stressors =
 * = **Life- Orientated Stressors** =

= What concepts* shed light on that population's situation. = Collaborating with other helping professionals- Collaborating with other helping professionals, I believe is very important when dealing with an addict. I feel this way because majority of the time a person is using drugs in order to cope with a situation or problem. A substance abuse counselor maybe needed to educate an individual on the negative consequences and teach him/her some proper coping skills and techniques. Also, a therapist may need to conduct an assessment on the individual to see if he/she has any mental health issues. When an individual starts to live a life of sobriety he or she in most cases will need help from other professionals. Using empathic communication is needed with an addict because it allows the individual to feel like he/she is being supported. Support is needed when a person is trying to live a life free of alcohol and drugs (Walsh).

Identifying support groups such as AA/NA groups would be a good idea for an addict, who is trying to regain their life. Attending these meetings would be helpful because it would connect the addict with recovering addicts. These recovering addicts could serve as a role model and help guide the individual through the process (Walsh).

Cognitive therapy is a type of psychotherapy (or "talk therapy") that is based on the theory that psychological symptoms are related to the interaction of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the therapist and patient will work on identifying and directly changing thoughts and behaviors that may be maintaining symptoms(About.com).

= Working with addicts in high stress situations. = Social pressure to drink, conflict with others, and testing personal control are high risks situations for an addict. Social pressure involves responding to the influence of another individual or group of individuals who exert pressure on the recovering person to use substances. Conflict with others involves interpersonal conflicts for example: fights, arguments, and disagreements.Testing personal control is testing one’s ability to engage in moderate or controlled use (Spectrum). Teaching an addict effective and efficient coping skills and techniques such as deep breathing is a great way for them to handle a high stress situation. Also, helping an addict identify some of the characteristics he/she wants their sponsor to have. A sponsor is a person who makes him/herself readily available to the addict. This person provides support, guidance and encouragement when it is most needed.

= **References** =

[] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (1998). Drug Abuse Cost to Society Set at $97.7 Billion, Continuing Steady Increase Since 1975. Volume 13, Number 4: Neil Swan. Spectrum Health Services. (2012). Men’s Relapse Prevention Workbook. Walsh, Kate. Grief and Loss: Theories and Skills for the Helping Professions 2nd Edition. 20012