The Impact of Supplemental Services in Treatment of Substance Abuse

Running Head: Supplemental Services and Hydrocodone Abuse

The impact of Supplemental Services in Treatment of Substance Abuse, Including a Case Study and Treatment Recommendation for Hydrocodone AbuseUniversity of Colorado at DenverKrista Smith/CPCE 5280

Abstract

Statistics and information on Hydrocodone abuse are discussed in this paper. Research that supports the inclusion of supplemental services such as therapy, and medical treatment in addition to traditional substance abuse treatment is also included. A fictitious case study involving hydrocodone use will demonstrate my personal style of therapy from a systems perspective as well as integrating the supplemental services as suggested by the research. Recommendations for preventing substance abuse and for further research in this area will also be included.

Introduction

It is a common stereotype to think of an addict as an abuser of heroin or someone who smokes crack. Occasionally, this stereotype is built upon to include a vision of a homeless person or a prostitute who lives on the street or in a debilitated crack house. In reality, this population represents only a portion of the people who are addicted to or abusing drugs in the United States today. Many addicts are "every day" people who live in the city or suburbs, have children and jobs. Their drug of choice may not be cocaine, but rather a prescription drug that may have been provided by their doctor for a legitimate reason.

This research paper examines the abuse of the generic drug Hydrocodone, an ingredient in many prescribed pain killers such as Vicodin. A description of Hydrocodone abuse and statistics will be followed by a fictitious case study that highlights the particular details of one situation involving Hydrocodone abuse. My personal style of therapy will be discussed and a treatment plan integrating my therapy with the research supported inclusion of supplemental services will follow. Further recommendations for study conclude this paper.

What is Hydrocodone