Read the following case study: Julia has just completed a 28-day residential tre
ID: 108518 • Letter: R
Question
Read the following case study:
Julia has just completed a 28-day residential treatment program for her alcoholism. Her older sister, Maria, was instrumental in sending Julia to treatment and took care of her children during the program. She has agreed to participate in Julia’s post-treatment recovery counseling. Julia also wants to bring her parents in for family counseling, but Maria says she does not think that would be appropriate given their own history of alcohol dependence. Julia believes that she cannot change her role in the family unless the others in the family also change their roles and relationship with her. Maria suggests that they just cut their parents out of their lives, pretending they have died and perhaps even have a mourning ritual for their loss. Unbeknownst to Julia, Maria was sexually abused by her father when she was a teenager. Maria still feels afraid and vulnerable when her father is present or even mentioned. Maria has also been hiding another secret from the family, that she is a regular user of cocaine. She uses cocaine to boost her confidence. Outwardly, Maria always conveys that she is confident and in control. Inside, Maria feels uncertain, confused, and very much out of control.
Analyze the roles that each member of the family plays in this scenario. How would you approach this situation as an addiction counselor? What questions would you ask Julia? Maria? What recommendations would you make to ensure maintenance of Julia’s success?
Explanation / Answer
Maria on one side plays a good caretaker role taking care of Julia's children and helping Julia in her treatment. On the other hand Maria is a cocaine user and she uses it to build her confidence. She doesn't think of the future effects of.using cocaine. As cocaine is also a drug,it would cause many side effects. Julia on the other hand advices Maria to leave the habit of using drug. I would ask Maria-you help your sister in her treatment,why dont you think of your welfare?
I would ask Julia-why dont you convince your sister to come out from this tragic habit?
Their father needs counseling and needs to practice good habits to behave in a good way to his own daughters.
For Julia,I would advice her to keep the treatment and its good habits into practice regularly therefore she would recover fully.
As a addiction counselor,I would recommend both Julia and Maria to undergo proper treatment and recommend their father to take proper counselling.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.