Unit4-Project

INTRODUCTION

According to diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV , substance abuse is a maladaptive pattern of alcohol or drug use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress (American Psychiatric Association 2000 . Substance abuse includes taking a psychoactive drug or performance enhancing drug for a non-therapeutically or non-medical effect . From the case study , Ashley is caught up in psychoactive drugs which bring about subjective changes in consciousness as well as mood for instance , increased alertness

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual , a classification of mental dis have been used to provide systematic of

each dis in regard to age of onset , probable course , predisposing factors associated features and differential diagnosis . This criterion has also been used to diagnose substance use dis categorically acute intoxication , abuse , dependence , withdrawal , delirium among others . It is in this light that I decided to borrow from this criterion to describe Ashley substance abuse problem . The following elements are crucial in the diagnosis process

I ) HISTORY TAKING

To begin with , an elaborate history of Ashley condition is important Obtaining accurate information from victims of substance abuse is often a difficult task because of the stigma associated with it and fears of legal consequences , however using appropriate counseling skills and constant assurance to the client of confidentiality will help in obtaining the accurate information on the existence , severity , duration and effects of the substance from Ashley . Information on the type of drug , amount , mode of administration and purpose for taking the drug will be collected at this stage . Family...