CASE ANALYSIS

Case title: I COULD NEVER GET HIGH ENOUGH

This is Cecilia's story, a typical college girl, full of innocence, hope, and dreams. Once
a splendid life shattered by the dreary reality of curiosity, peer pressure, and the thrill of living
it high. This is her account…

Growing Up

I grew up in Paco, Manila, with my mom, dad, brother, and younger sister. My mom
and dad, at the time, bought a restaurant. They were always gone since it was such a
demanding business. I was home alone a lot and could do whatever I wanted.

Rebellious Streak

I loved movies, and I loved the role to play. I idolized rockers and the hardcore lifestyle
they lived, and I wanted to be a part of it. I would sneak out to parties on the weekends.
However, this particular party is different. I vividly remember that party. I was a freshman at
college, and the other girls invited me to a party that would have all these "gorgeous guys." I
was a bit nervous, and whenever a guy would come up and talk to me, I stuttered and
embarrassed myself. Then, suddenly, he was right in front of me. He had the darkest, most
beautiful eyes I had ever seen, and as he leaned in and whispered to me, I was a goner. He
almost immediately had my heart. I did not realize he was taking my future, as well.

He saw right through my nervousness and told me he had something that would help
me get over it. He said he had been the same way a couple of years ago, starting college after
growing up in a small, secluded town. I was only 17 at the time. One thing led to another and
tried my first taste of the drug. I was curious about pills, so it was an easy sell. I gave him my
heart. He gave me an addiction to heroin.

My friends tried to talk me out of seeing him. He was the local college dealer, and I was
hooked on him. When he went home for the break, I barely got through those days. I kept
texting and calling him, but he would not answer. When he finally did, he seemed mad by my
concern and let me know that he would not be checked. I did not remind him that he did the
same thing to me a couple of times already. I was just grateful I could hear his voice.

Living it high

That little taste started me on a path of getting high at school and then eventually
dropping out altogether. Classes interfered with my drug life. What I thought was normal
behavior was not normal at all. I was out of control and addicted to drugs. All I wanted to do
was hang out and get high – and I could never get high enough.

During the Christmas break, he sent me home with enough heroin to get through the
holidays. However, I will never forget walking into my room and seeing my parents, brother,
and younger sister waiting there. My father was holding heroin. They asked me where I had
gotten it, but apparently, they already knew, as my best friend told them it was why we had
drifted apart during the first semester. We fought, and I tried defending my situation. Having
no exit, I left home and wandered the streets.

I was with my boyfriend, which made it easy for me to abuse the drug. I was living on
the doorstep of death every day, almost unknowingly, because I had no idea how toxic and
explosive the chemicals used were at the time. Sometimes I would be up for days, smoking
regularly. When I'd finally come down, I was depleted. I would barely get out of bed for weeks.
 Having no money for my habit, I even tried to stay sober at one point. I got a job at a
local gas station to support myself, but I started using drugs again after a month. I couldn't
hold my job because I was too sick and too high to function. I tried to lead a regular life, but I
found that even the simplest things were impossible. I could barely walk through the
truckloads of garbage, dirty clothes, and other things I can't seem to remember if it’s all my
belongings. I can't eat a decent meal but instant noodles. I can't sleep properly. I was severely
thin because I wasn't taking care of myself. I'm 5'4," and at one point, I was about 90 pounds
in weight. A few months later, my family found me. They took me home, their frail, slim, and
almost lifeless daughter.

Format in answering the case:

Introduction

Give a short paragraph stating the key problems and issues in the case

Background

Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most
important issues.

Evaluation and SWOT Analysis

Outline the various pieces of the case study that you are focusing on.

Proposed Solution

Provide specific and realistic solution(s) or changes needed.

Explain why this solution was chosen.

Recommendation

Based on the SWOT Analysis and proposed solution make a necessary

recommendation.

Answer the following questions:

1. Based on the case. What pushes someone to get involved with drugs?
How do drugs change one’s life?

2. Write your advice to all Cecilia’s out there.

Alejandro, Nuella Gieya D.
BSRT 2A
NSTP1- Activity 1 Case Analysis-Drug Awareness

Introduction
Drug addiction can be caused by a variety of things. The majority of people use drugs
to ease the emotional pain caused by mental conditions like anxiety and depression. Peer
pressure is one thing that makes most young people today use drugs and also to make an effort
to fit in, we hurt ourselves more to please others.

Background
Based on Cecilia's case, she became rebellious because her parents were often away
and she was free to do what she wanted whenever she wanted. She became addicted to drugs
in trying to fit in with her college friends because she didn't receive the love and attention she
craved from her parents.

Evaluation and SWOT Analysis

STRENGTH- Drugs reduce stress and pain. It makes someone confident.

WEAKNESSES- Drug addiction gives bad effects mentally, physically and
emotionally.
OPPORTUNITIES- It can be a source of medicine but in moderation.
THREATS- Drugs may lead to worst scenarios and death.

Proposed Solution
Some solutions can be by knowing the risk factors and also treatment. There
are some risk factors which increase a person's chance of developing a drug addiction
problem. These risk factors include a history of drug or alcohol misuse in the family,
exposure to drug users, poverty, failure in school, and mental health issues. But the
most effective plan of action for those who have already started using drugs or who
have expanded their use to the point of abuse is to start treatment. Treatment will be
tailored based on what specific drug a person is abusing. Usually, behavioral therapy
interventions and pharmaceuticals are used in treatment to lessen a person's need or
desire for drugs and to provide them with the capacity to abstain from drug use in the
future.

Recommendation
If the laws and regulations for the supply of medications are properly
enforced, this may significantly lower drug abuse and strengthen national medicines
regulatory authorities to improve everyone's safety.
Alejandro, Nuella Gieya D.
BSRT 2A
NSTP1- Activity 1 Case Analysis-Drug Awareness

Answer the following questions:

1. Based on the case. What pushes someone to get involved with drugs? How do
drugs change one’s life?
- In relation to the case, it began as a harmless experimenting time but
turned into an addiction to drugs due to a lack of direction and a need to fit
in to people. The happiness brought on by the 'high' from drug use grows
into an obsession, and finally addiction takes over. The need to get and
consume drugs becomes essential for a person's existence, regardless of the
effects.

2. Write your advice to all Cecilia’s out there.

- With 144 people dying from overdose every day, it’s hard to understand
why you continue to use and put your life at risk. Every day we fight for
our lives, but drugs will never be able to solve our problems. Drugs may
make us feel fantastic, but they never make us genuinely happy. We must
consider the consequences of every decision we make. We have a bunch of
step staircases on the success ladder. Achieving health is not a sign of
shame. I want you to understand that you have an a chance to give up,
give in, or give it your all. You are important, deserving, and loved.
Addiction can be effectively treated, so be a fighter and make an effort.
Your greatest years are yet to come if you choose recovery.