Ms. Little is a 21-year-old black woman who sought treatment after the Departmen

Question

Ms. Little is a 21-year-old black woman who sought treatment after the Department of Social Services threatened to take her two children, a boy aged 6 and a girl aged 2. Client stated that her neighbor reported her for leaving her children alone. Client is unemployed and on welfare. She said she can’t make enough money working to pay bills and child care. Client has drunk alcohol and abused drugs since age 15. She is currently still drinking and abusing diazepam (Valium).

Ms. Little stated she has used cocaine for the past 9 months and denies any other drugs since then. She also reports drinking at least 3-4 alcoholic beverages a day which don’t affect her at all. Client admitted to using her welfare check for drugs and selling her food stamps to obtain money. She was never married and does not receive financial support from the father of her children. Client, who is slightly overweight, was observed purging food in the bathroom of the detoxification unit and admitted to episodic purging to control weight.

Ms. Little described herself as a good student in high school until her drug use became more important than studying. She has a high school diploma but did not attempt college, as she felt she could not afford it. Client’s parents both drank and were physically abusive to one another. Ms. Little denies physical or sexual abuse of self or siblings by parents. Client reported she cooks, cleans, and takes care of all household chores independently. She stated she has been “out of control”, “snorting” approximately $200 worth of cocaine 1 to 2 days per week at friends’ homes or on the street. She admitted to leaving the children alone twice over the last month and was appalled to having slept with drug dealers to obtain drugs. Client stated that she knows she has to get clean or she will lose her children. She has never obtained a driver’s license but does have a car of her mother’s that she drives. She has no friends except other users, and other than drug use her only leisure activity is renting a movie for the children. Ms. Little stated that she feels depressed much of the time and has no energy.

OT goals identified:

Client will obtain a driver’s license

Client will complete 1 job interview.

Client will identify leisure activities to pursue with children at home and in the community

Client will improve energy level through exercise and explore healthier methods of losing weight, as well as maintain healthy and balanced nutrition for her and her children.

QUESTIONS

1. Describe ways in which the social, political, legal, economic or cultural environments impact client’s access to services. Examples in at least 2 areas required and why.

Explanation / Answer

Abuse of legal and illegal substances increases the death rate and cost of medical care and rehabilitation.The drug abuse related to effects on the socioeconomic costs. No one wants to be a substance abuser. Unfortunately, the families, friends, the economic condition, poverty, and culture makes moved towards the negative environment. The social, political, legal, economic and cultural environment has a great impact on this.

Ms. little and the social impact:

Some parents provide safe and Happy homes for their children. But Ms.Little parents are drug abusers, fight between them and neglected her. Little became abundant to the drug because of unsafe parenthood, neighborhood, poverty, and poor school functioning. These make harm to the body and her spirit.

Drug Addiction is the main priority in her life. She became selfish and oblivious to other people concerns. She is not coping up with her children. It is necessary to protect the children from the mother because they easily lead to addiction. Proper schooling of children makes them be a good in society. Example: The school has to report if children are involved in anti-social behavior.

Economic impact:

The cost of the addiction not only affects the individual but also the family, friends and the society. The drug addiction lining the cost policing. It affects the total revenue of the health system. that means a drop in the revenue of hospitals but increases in the welfare activities. Eg: unemployment benefits.

Another economic effect of Drug abuse is the loss of employment which loses the productivity that results in illness and premature deaths. On the other hand, the addict will involve in theft and criminal activities in order to fund their habit.

The Role of culture in Substance Abuse

The cultural behavior can shape the behavior of the individual. culture plays a role in the protective factor of the drug abuser. Excessive abuse of the substance may occur due to rapid social change. The immigrant may also promote new habits as they loss of protective environment.

Examples:

Non-ceremonial use of alcohol was strictly forbidden in ancient Aztecs. Peyote was used to treat chronic alcoholic addiction. Higher rates of substance abuse are seen in Non-Native Americans.

The Political Impact:

The person who is involved in Drug addiction is prone to start stealing from friends, families, and it spreads to the employer and the Organization. They involved in drunk and drive, anti-social behavior. The welfare Organization work with the political leader to offer opportunities for the abuser.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse M
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.