For this assignment students are asked to review the two case examples on pages 303-308 in their textbook than, reflect on the differences between the two case examples used for adolescent relapse prevention.
Relapse prevention treatment for adolescents must be addressed. However it must be addressed in a much different way than adults.
Adolescents understanding of relapse prevention takes on a total different meaning to them than adults do. The two case studies on page 303-308 made this very clear.
The first case study was failed for many reasons, nevertheless there also was some effective things that was mentioned during the study. For instance I like how the counselor took time to talk about the high risk issues. The counselor taking the time to talk about the issue of high risk situations was very positive . I Also believe when the counselor explained the difference between lapse and relapse it could have made a major impact on the outcome of treatment. I believe Cynthia may have had some denial issues. Im not sure if she was ready to commit to treatment. She seemed a little worried with trying to get approval from friends she used to use with. This was an issued that could effected the success of her treatment.The people we use for support in recovery is important. As a counselor it is good to have these discussions with our clients. I believe Cynthia treatment could be more successful if this is addreed
I believe the counselor should have clarified that Cynthia was still involved with her boyfriend and friends she used to use with was a very high-risk situation that should have been avoided. The counselor should have made sure to address Cynthia's underlying problem with her parent's separation and her overwhelming social concerns. It could have been quite useful to involve Cynthia's mother in the treatment process. It could have increased her motivation knowing that she had her mother's support during the treatment process.
I was surprised to see how a few small changes to relapse prevention treatment could make such a difference after reviewing the second case study about David. David's therapist took the time to explain the benefit of including family members in treatment, leading to David's decision to allow his parents to be involved in his treatment. David had the motivation needed and was ready for a change, unlike Cynthia. He felt that openness and honesty was important for his recovery. He felt confident in his ability to manage the social pressure he would experience, unlike Cynthia. David's therapist taught him the skills needed to handle troubling areas that led him to use in the past and coping skills that helped him combat negative thoughts. David, unlike Cynthia, also hung around sober and clean friends after recovery so he wasn't constantly pressured to use again. I believe that a client's motivation and readiness to make a change plays a huge role in whether the clients treatment will be successful or not.