Final Project Assessment and Intervention: Dan Dunne from Half Nelson The diversity and scope of individuals’ experiences with addiction is infinite; addiction targets all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. Addiction itself manifests in a variety of contexts in a person’s life, including inter- and intrapersonal function, employment, social, and environment, and observable changes can offer clues and insights into progression, severity, and levels of needed treatment (Wahler & Otis, 2014). To properly aid in the treatment and recovery of individuals with substance use disorders, counselors must employ a variety of effective tools and insights, to effectively align an individual’s addiction with a complete diagnostic …show more content…
Instead of teaching in suburbs, Dan chooses to live and work in an inner-city school in New York, teaching to almost exclusively minority students. Wahler and Otis (2014) described the impact on psychological stress and the development of addiction, even in educated individuals. Dan’s desire to work in a predominantly minority school, while challenging an uphill battle of oppression in pursuit of a greater ideal of social justice and equality, can in fact place him at risk, along with other areas, for substance abuse (Orlovsky & Fleck, …show more content…
The first diagnosis that Dan meets for is F14.20: Stimulant (Cocaine) Use Disorder, Severe. To meet criteria for this diagnosis, Dan must meet at least 6 diagnostic criteria outlined. Based on his current circumstances, Dan meets the following: taking larger amounts of the drug, unsuccessful attempts to control use, cravings, impacts on family and employment roles, tolerance, and withdrawal (APA, 2013). Dan has tried to cut back, including an attempt at rehab, he comes into work either high or hungover, and was caught using crack cocaine by a student, he loses his job and has had negative run-ins with co-workers and significant others due to cocaine use, and has gone into debt because of his use (Orlovsky & Fleck, 2006). There is no question he meets the severe level of this