The Dates Due Are Listedweek 6 Prevention And Social Changesam ✓ Solved

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Sam has been home from military service for 3 months. While in Afghanistan, he was the only survivor of an explosion during a mission. In the United States, his family and friends have been celebrating his return with parties and activities. He knows they are trying to cheer him up, but he feels more and more isolated and is in chronic pain from injuries sustained during the blast. He knows he should stick to the prescribed amount of pain medication, but finds that one extra pill here and there gives him the peaceful feeling he seeks.

Only 26 years old, Sam knows that he will need to find a civilian job once his leave runs out, but he feels groggy and unmotivated. What are the potential costs to Sam and society if his dependence on his medication becomes an addiction? From which type of prevention models and programs might he benefit? This week, you analyze risk for addiction within a specific population and strategies for risk prevention. You also analyze community-based addiction prevention strategies and develop a recommendation to promote positive social change related to addictions.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

Veterans returning from combat often face unique challenges that may contribute to a high risk of substance addiction. Sam, a 26-year-old veteran, represents many individuals who return from military service with both physical and psychological scars. His struggle with chronic pain and feelings of isolation after a life-altering experience highlights the potential dangers of self-medicating with prescription drugs. If not managed effectively, this dependency could evolve into full-blown addiction, resulting in severe personal and societal consequences.

Potential Costs of Dependence

The potential costs of Sam's dependence on pain medication are multifaceted, impacting not only his personal life but also society as a whole. On a personal level, addiction could lead to deteriorating mental health, strained relationships, and loss of employment. Chronic substance abuse is correlated with numerous psychological issues, including depression and anxiety, which could further exacerbate Sam's feelings of isolation and unmotivatedness (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2016).

From a societal standpoint, the economic costs of addiction are staggering. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (2011) estimated that the economic burden of substance abuse in the United States surpasses $600 billion annually when accounting for lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and crime-related costs. Furthermore, addiction among veterans can contribute to community safety issues, as studies have found correlations between substance abuse and increased rates of violence and crime (Allen et al., 2016).

Prevention Models and Programs

To effectively address these challenges, it's critical to identify appropriate prevention models and programs that can assist veterans like Sam. Several approaches exist focusing on different aspects of addiction prevention and intervention.

1. Trauma-Informed Care: This model emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of trauma on veterans' behavior and mental health. Programs utilizing this model provide supportive environments that foster healing and recovery while addressing issues such as PTSD and substance use (Roberts et al., 2012).

2. Community-Based Programs: Various communities have developed programs designed specifically for veterans returning from combat. These initiatives often include peer support, counseling, and educational components aimed at helping veterans reintegrate while addressing mental health and substance use issues (Yashinsky, 2007).

3. Relapse Prevention Strategies: Programs focusing on relapse prevention equip individuals with coping mechanisms and strategies to resist triggers that may lead to substance use. For Sam, having resources that teach skills to manage pain and psychological stress without resorting to medication could improve his chances of recovery (Miller, 2015).

Recommendations for Promoting Positive Social Change

As a prospective addiction professional, one might contribute to positive social change by working to create awareness about the specific needs of veterans. This could involve advocating for policies that ensure access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment specifically tailored for veterans (Schaeffer et al., 2008). By forming partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, one may develop comprehensive support systems and interventions aimed at preventing addiction and promoting recovery among this population.

Incorporating the biopsychosocial model, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors influencing individual health, could greatly enhance existing programs. Addressing the comprehensive needs of veterans, including physical rehabilitation, mental health treatment, and social reintegration, will result in more effective prevention and treatment strategies (Cheon, 2008).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sam's situation illustrates the critical need for targeted prevention strategies and programs for veterans at risk of addiction. By understanding the potential costs of substance dependence and implementing comprehensive community-based initiatives, we can create a supportive environment that fosters recovery and promotes positive social change. Moving forward, comprehensive approaches that integrate trauma-informed care and the biopsychosocial model will be imperative in ensuring that individuals like Sam receive the assistance they need to thrive in their civilian lives.

References

  • Allen, J. P., Crawford, E. F., & Kudler, H. (2016). Nature and Treatment of Comorbid Alcohol Problems and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among American Military Personnel and Veterans. 38(1). Retrieved from [insert link]

  • Cheon, J. W. (2008). Best practices in community-based prevention for youth substance reduction: Towards strengths-based positive development policy. Journal of Community Psychology, 36(6), 761–779.

  • Miller, G. (2015). Learning the language of addiction counseling (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). Drug facts: Understanding drug abuse and addiction. Bethesda, MD: NIDA. Retrieved from [insert link]

  • Roberts, N.P., Roberts, P.A., & Bisson, J.I. (2012). Psychological interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid substance use disorder [Protocol]. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

  • Schaeffer, C. M., Saldana, L., Rowland, M. D., Henggeler, S. W., & Swenson, C. C. (2008). New initiatives in improving youth and family outcomes by importing evidence-based practices. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 17(3), 27–45.

  • Tanielian, T., & Jaycox, L. H. (2016). Invisible Wounds of War: Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to Assist Recovery. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation.

  • Valente, T. W., Chou, C. P., & Pentz, M. A. (2007). Community coalitions as a system: Effects of network change on adoption of evidence-based substance abuse prevention. American Journal of Public Health, 97(5), 880–886.

  • Wodarski, J. S. (2010). Prevention of adolescent reoccurring violence and alcohol abuse: A multiple site evaluation. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 7(4), 280–301.

  • Yashinsky, E. (2007). Community-based addiction treatment. Journal of Jewish Communal Service, 82(1/2), 77–82.

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