Healing and Sobriety: Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the Cycle: Sharon’s Path to Healing and Sobriety

Sharon Background information

Sharon is a 29-year-old single female born with a hearing deficit, a result of her mother’s bout with rubella during her pregnancy with Sharon. When Sharon was 7 years old, her parents separated. Her father continued to maintain contact with her and her brother. Sharon recalls her mother being abusive verbally, physically, and emotionally.

However, Sharon also claims her mother taught her to speak at 18 months. She learned limited sign language at age 7, developed lip reading skills, and learned American Sign Language in college. Sharon describes herself as being very isolated and lonely in childhood. She is angry at her parents for not providing her with specialized services for the hard of hearing during her youth. At age 20 Sharon went to Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and was trained in medical record keeping. Although she completed her training, Sharon could not function on the job due to drug abuse. She was frequently late or absent and eventually stopped working.

Substance Abuse History

Sharon began to drink during her senior year in high school. She continued drinking and began smoking marijuana every day, recalling that she only felt comfortable when she was high and did not have to deal with her feelings.

Present Situation

Sharon recently got drunk and attempted suicide. Upon discharge from a psychiatric unit where she was treated for this attempt, she was sent to a substance abuse treatment center for her addiction. You are the mental health professional that will initially see her.

Questions

What treatment needs does Sharon have?
What might be major barriers to Sharon receiving treatment?
What can be done to ensure access and accommodation of treatment for Sharon?
To what long- term services and programs should Sharon be referred

Sample Solution

Breaking the Cycle: Sharon’s Path to Healing and Sobriety

Addressing anger is a crucial treatment need that should be explored for Sharon. She harbors resentment towards her parents, holding them responsible for not providing specialized care services during her youth. As a mental healthcare professional, it is important to assist Sharon in managing her aggression through anger management techniques. Furthermore, trauma resulting from her history of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse necessitates exploration and healing. The impact of her traumatic experiences may have contributed to her substance abuse, making it essential to address these underlying issues.

Substance abuse and alcoholism are additional treatment issues that require attention for Sharon. She relies on drugs to feel comfortable and cope with her emotions, indicating a need for strategies and coping mechanisms to support her recovery and permanent withdrawal from substance use. Given the instability of her family relationships, exploring her identity issues becomes important. Enhancing Sharon’s self-esteem is also a critical treatment objective, as it can positively impact her ability to socialize and build healthy relationships.

Financial constraints pose a significant barrier to Sharon’s treatment, as her job loss due to drug abuse has impacted her ability to finance her recovery process. Lack of family support is another major obstacle, as Sharon lacks the necessary moral support to engage actively in the treatment process. Additionally, her hearing impairment presents communication challenges, requiring specialized mental healthcare professionals who can effectively communicate with her.

To ensure access and accommodation for Sharon’s treatment, it is crucial to enroll her in a substance abuse center that provides professionals trained in communicating with individuals with hearing impairments. Exploring healthcare programs that can cover her treatment expenses will alleviate financial burdens. Family support plays a vital role in facilitating Sharon’s engagement in treatment, emphasizing the importance of her parents’ involvement and encouragement.

Referring Sharon to a hearing impairment program will address her social withdrawal and provide an opportunity for connection with individuals who share similar experiences. Participation in psychotherapy programs will help mitigate her suicidal thoughts and provide essential support. Additionally, enrolling her in a comprehensive drug addiction program will ensure a long-term recovery process.