Critical Thinking Case Study Examples

Client: Mark: 40 Years

Client’s family situation

Mark has been married for more than five years and has a son age 5, he is of ethnic origin. And his wife of Sottish origin. Mark has had several disagreements with his wife Lisa over his drinking and layback behaviors. Whenever, Mark’s wife Lisa confronted him, he denied that he has an alcoholic problem, Mark drinks heavily and often stayed in bed until late afternoon. Because of drinking behavior, he was arrested for DUI and had lost his job and his driver license. His probation officer recommended that he should attend a AA meeting that the court will be empathic toward him. Mark’s father was also an alcoholic and gambler, and used to have strong uncontrollable confrontations with his wife.

Most of Mark family members are alcoholics, unemployed and live on the States benefits.
Mark’s agreement on how to stop using alcohol
Mark knows that his drinking problem is dangerous and the bills are increasing, he has tried to stop the habit and to be more proactive in job searching, several times after he was arrested. His boss encouraged him to attended an AA meeting. After a few visits he but dropped claiming he disliking the meetings; and he did not see them as fulfilling.
Mark’s plan to get help after his relapse
Mark has experienced increased relapses over the past two years after many attempts to stop drinking. Although Mark has promised to stop drinking, his family and job situation makes his drinking increased. Mark’s had made several attempted seek help from his friends and family members but this was fruitless, and he believe they are no better off than him. Nevertheless, Mark decided to rejoin a AA group meeting in his neighborhood. And told his wife that the only reason has decided to rejoin AA group meeting in is to sober up in order to regain employment and favor in his trial.
Circumstances that could releases relapse for Mark
Mark loves playing dominoes and most of his friend’s drink; meaning that Mark is likely relapse to alcohol. Furthermore, Mark loves being with friends in clubs than other places and this increases his relapse risks.
Behaviors or thoughts that could direct Mark to relapse
Mark believes that the only way to socialize with his friends is to have a few beers and this is a high risk that would lead to relapse.
Coping strategies that could help Mark remain sober
1.Pledge to stop drinking
The client should have insight and self-awareness to make a strong self-commitment to stop drinking.

Change is a choice and a personal sacrifice that Mark must make to stop his addiction habit. Mark should disconnect with people who drink, because associating with them will causes him the danger to relapse. The client should think about the disadvantages of drinking and make a strong choice to quit. Stop drinking would help the client with his family situations and unemployment problem.

2. goals setting and personal change

The next stage, after the client make decisions to stop drinking, then he should set tangible and personal goals, that are practical, achievable and clear about drinking behavior. Moreover, Mark needs to establish goals such as; I will stop drinking, get sober and find employment and set date to accomplish. His set goals should be clear; for example, do I want to quit drinking and be with friends who do not drinks alcoholic? After setting a clear and realistic goal on how and when to stop drinking, Mark should set standards that he will work towards. For example, avoid places and things that will pull into drinking with his friends. Recovering addicts must stay away from the people and places that remind them of their past. It is important for individuals to establish a substance-free area for socialization and stay clear of places that will cause temptations (Wagner, D et al,

2016).
3. He should discover new sense of motivation by joining network of supportive people.
4. His aim, how to recognize and behave toward triggers and cravings, and try to avoid situations that would triggers cravings for alcohol.
5. He should dedicate to attend AA meetings or any other forms of family counselor or therapist to stop alcoholism.
Activities that Mark should consider, to associate with in order to help change past habits
Mark could join a different social network groups, or volunteer network that engaged in different activities whenever possible for him. Mark should socialize also with meet up groups, having supportive people who can help him cope with his drinking problem. And encourage him to learn new skills for employment. Furthermore, Mark loves playing dominoes and network groups such as Community Center, Meetup Groups usually provide sports and other events that Mark could take part in activities without negative impact towards drinking alcohol. Recovery need a network of support, as individual go through recovery stage, they talk on a regular basis with others who are able to recognize the signs and problems, and is willing to provide support (Wagner, D. et al, 2016).
Ways how Mark’s family would be involved in his relapse prevention plan
Family support play an important role in helping their loved one who are suffering with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders get on the road to recovery. Mark’s wife and other family member should provide support and encouragement for Mark to stay sober ( Hazelden Foundation, 2016). Family can also provide and contribute to relapses of the substance use disorder, furthermore, family Social support, can reduce stress (Hazelden Foundation, 2016).
Mark’s family and ethnic culture could impact on his relapse prevention plan
Families cultures, beliefs, and values, often determine individual’s behaviors. Mark’s family and culture can play a major role in guiding Mark in making wise choice. Mark’s environment could support him with guidance to stand firm against alcoholism (SAMHSA, 2016).
Resources that is available within the community to help Mark prevent relapse
Support Card client should keep
Mill’s Family Therapist
Kingston, Harbor Street
Fax: [phone]
Office hours :10-4
Hotline (Emergency): 345 642 0942
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.hipsibriety.com

(Charles is a registered Family Therapist who have wealth of experience in treating alcoholic addicts. Charles can be contacted any time when urgent needs arises)
Lisa (Mark’s wife)
Brown’s, Scotland Purees Street.
Home Mobile; 347 843 7213
(In the of relapse, call this person for guidance)

References
SAMHSA, (2016), Improving Cultural competence. Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Improving-Cultural-Competence/All-New-Products/SMA16-4933

Mill’s Family Therapist
Kingston, Harbor Street
Fax: [phone]
Office hours :10-4
Hotline (Emergency): 345 642 0942
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.hipsibriety.com

(Charles is a registered Family Therapist who have wealth of experience in treating alcoholic addicts. Charles can be contacted any time when urgent needs arises)
Lisa (Mark’s wife)
Brown’s, Scotland Purees Street.
Home Mobile; 347 843 7213
(In the of relapse, call this person for guidance)