Shara Goff

Contribution Post 11
SWK 349: Perspectives in Mental Health
Mr. Stephen Melby, MA, LCSW, LADAC
015, July 2016

Abstract

Substance related and addictive disorders include disorders of use, intoxication, withdrawal,
substance- related addictive disorders, and unspecified substance induced disorders. The
disorders are characterized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms
identified, which range from negative consequences of use to compulsive use despite serious
consequences, often accompanied by tolerance and withdrawal (Corcoran & Walsh, 2015).

Contribution Post 11
Janet may be drinking to severe intoxication 3-4 times per week because she doesnt want
to deal with Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). Often times, the situation arises partly because
of the high comorbidity found between substance-related and other disorders ( Corcoran, Walsh
p. 142). People use substances to medicate symptoms of other mental disorders. ( Corcoran,
Walsh p. 143).
Janet has not worked in 15 years , since she escaped the World Trade Center on 9-11-01.
She doesnt attend her childrens school functions and her drinking is interfering with her family
life. This major life event may have contributed to her substance abuse (Corcoran, Walsh p.
144).
Depression often precedes substance use in females, so it seems to be a coping response.
(Corcoran, Walsh p. 148).
PTSD may put a client at risk for worse outcomes. For this reason, clients with PTSD should
receive treatment for this disorder soon after receiving substance abuse treatment.(Corcoran,
Walsh p.149).
I would suggest that Janet gets substance abuse treatment for her severe alcohol intoxication as
well as PTSD.

References:
Corcoron, Jaqueline & Walsh, Joseph M. (2nd Edition). Pearson, Upper Saddle River, New
Jersey, 2015