Assessment and Treatment of Addictive Behaviors: Case Studies Analysis
An analysis of case studies focusing on the assessment and treatment of addictive behaviors.
Mia Martinez
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Assessment and Treatment of Addictive Behaviors: Case Studies Analysis
Read the following case studies:
Case 1:
Marcel is in his early sixties and has been free from alcohol and drug use for
over twenty years. He has been divorced thrice and has been living alone for
the last seven years. He is actively involved in the Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA) program. Each day, he spends about seven hours or more playing
poker online. Recently, he had an opportunity to enter a $10,000 contest on
a cruise ship. However, reacting to his boss’ disapproval of his long leave,
Marcel called in sick for three days and proceeded on the gambling cruise
despite the possibility of losing his job. What clinical concerns do you see in
Marcel’s case? Based on our readings what other recommendations might
you make and why? Are there any other applicable self help programs for
Marcel?
Case Study Analysis: Marcel’s Gambling Behavior
Clinical Concerns
Marcel’s case presents several clinical concerns, primarily revolving around
his online gambling habits and the possible underlying psychological issues.
Although he has maintained sobriety from alcohol and drug use for over 20
years, his behavior regarding gambling presents a potential risk of addiction.
Marcel’s daily routine includes spending over seven hours on online poker,
which may point to compulsive behavior, akin to a gambling disorder. His
decision to prioritize a gambling cruise, even at the risk of losing his job,
reflects impulsivity and poor decision-making, which could be indicative of a
deeper issue such as an impulse control disorder or even a relapse in
addictive behaviors. His history of multiple divorces and living alone for the
past seven years suggests potential interpersonal difficulties, possibly linked
to social isolation or emotional distress, which may be contributing factors to
his gambling as a form of escape.
Recommendations
Based on the readings and theoretical frameworks on addiction and
behavior, several recommendations can be made to address Marcel’s
gambling habits. First, a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health
professional is recommended to assess for gambling disorder, compulsive
behavior, or any co-occurring mental health issues (such as anxiety or
Read the following case studies:
Case 1:
Marcel is in his early sixties and has been free from alcohol and drug use for
over twenty years. He has been divorced thrice and has been living alone for
the last seven years. He is actively involved in the Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA) program. Each day, he spends about seven hours or more playing
poker online. Recently, he had an opportunity to enter a $10,000 contest on
a cruise ship. However, reacting to his boss’ disapproval of his long leave,
Marcel called in sick for three days and proceeded on the gambling cruise
despite the possibility of losing his job. What clinical concerns do you see in
Marcel’s case? Based on our readings what other recommendations might
you make and why? Are there any other applicable self help programs for
Marcel?
Case Study Analysis: Marcel’s Gambling Behavior
Clinical Concerns
Marcel’s case presents several clinical concerns, primarily revolving around
his online gambling habits and the possible underlying psychological issues.
Although he has maintained sobriety from alcohol and drug use for over 20
years, his behavior regarding gambling presents a potential risk of addiction.
Marcel’s daily routine includes spending over seven hours on online poker,
which may point to compulsive behavior, akin to a gambling disorder. His
decision to prioritize a gambling cruise, even at the risk of losing his job,
reflects impulsivity and poor decision-making, which could be indicative of a
deeper issue such as an impulse control disorder or even a relapse in
addictive behaviors. His history of multiple divorces and living alone for the
past seven years suggests potential interpersonal difficulties, possibly linked
to social isolation or emotional distress, which may be contributing factors to
his gambling as a form of escape.
Recommendations
Based on the readings and theoretical frameworks on addiction and
behavior, several recommendations can be made to address Marcel’s
gambling habits. First, a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health
professional is recommended to assess for gambling disorder, compulsive
behavior, or any co-occurring mental health issues (such as anxiety or
depression) that might be influencing his behavior. Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT) could be an effective therapeutic intervention, helping Marcel
understand the triggers that lead to his gambling and work on healthier
coping strategies. Furthermore, Marcel may benefit from individual
counseling to address his emotional and psychological well-being, especially
considering his history of multiple divorces and prolonged isolation. A focus
on improving social connections and fostering healthier relationships could
help reduce his reliance on gambling as a source of emotional relief.
Additionally, it would be crucial for Marcel to seek professional support in
navigating his impulsivity and managing risky behaviors, especially in
contexts that could impact his career and personal life. In terms of his job,
Marcel may benefit from career counseling or assertiveness training to help
him handle workplace conflicts more constructively, rather than resorting to
maladaptive behaviors like calling in sick to participate in gambling activities.
Self-Help Programs
Marcel’s involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has likely provided him
with valuable support for maintaining sobriety, but AA may not directly
address his gambling issue. However, there are other self-help programs
specifically tailored for individuals with gambling problems. One of the most
widely recognized programs is Gamblers Anonymous (GA), which follows a
12-step approach similar to AA, but focuses on gambling addiction. GA
provides a peer-support network and can offer Marcel a safe environment to
discuss his struggles with others who are facing similar challenges.
Another program Marcel might consider is Smart Recovery, which
emphasizes self-empowerment and uses cognitive-behavioral strategies to
help individuals manage compulsive behaviors. This could complement
Marcel’s existing AA involvement by addressing the specific issues related to
his gambling, potentially helping him regain control over his impulses and
fostering a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Conclusion
Marcel’s case presents several concerns related to gambling, impulsivity, and
social isolation. A thorough evaluation and a combination of therapeutic
interventions, such as CBT and self-help programs like Gamblers
Anonymous, would be beneficial in addressing these issues. By working on
managing his gambling behavior and improving his emotional and social
well-being, Marcel could avoid further consequences in both his personal and
professional life and continue to live a healthy, sober life.
Therapy (CBT) could be an effective therapeutic intervention, helping Marcel
understand the triggers that lead to his gambling and work on healthier
coping strategies. Furthermore, Marcel may benefit from individual
counseling to address his emotional and psychological well-being, especially
considering his history of multiple divorces and prolonged isolation. A focus
on improving social connections and fostering healthier relationships could
help reduce his reliance on gambling as a source of emotional relief.
Additionally, it would be crucial for Marcel to seek professional support in
navigating his impulsivity and managing risky behaviors, especially in
contexts that could impact his career and personal life. In terms of his job,
Marcel may benefit from career counseling or assertiveness training to help
him handle workplace conflicts more constructively, rather than resorting to
maladaptive behaviors like calling in sick to participate in gambling activities.
Self-Help Programs
Marcel’s involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has likely provided him
with valuable support for maintaining sobriety, but AA may not directly
address his gambling issue. However, there are other self-help programs
specifically tailored for individuals with gambling problems. One of the most
widely recognized programs is Gamblers Anonymous (GA), which follows a
12-step approach similar to AA, but focuses on gambling addiction. GA
provides a peer-support network and can offer Marcel a safe environment to
discuss his struggles with others who are facing similar challenges.
Another program Marcel might consider is Smart Recovery, which
emphasizes self-empowerment and uses cognitive-behavioral strategies to
help individuals manage compulsive behaviors. This could complement
Marcel’s existing AA involvement by addressing the specific issues related to
his gambling, potentially helping him regain control over his impulses and
fostering a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Conclusion
Marcel’s case presents several concerns related to gambling, impulsivity, and
social isolation. A thorough evaluation and a combination of therapeutic
interventions, such as CBT and self-help programs like Gamblers
Anonymous, would be beneficial in addressing these issues. By working on
managing his gambling behavior and improving his emotional and social
well-being, Marcel could avoid further consequences in both his personal and
professional life and continue to live a healthy, sober life.
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Subject
Psychology