Legal Case Study: Substance Abuse

1270 Words3 Pages

The case study I choose for this assignment was case 3 were there is a 30–year–old single Asian female attorney Lee Kim that lives alone, has successful legal practice in a large law firm. She lives alone in a nice condominium, which she can afford due to her lucrative legal practice. Raised in the U.S. by first–generation immigrants from Japan along with an older brother who is a successful entrepreneur. Hired by prominent law firm after graduating from a prestigious law school. No religious affiliation. She also began drinking and occasional use of marijuana after entering college and being away from home for the first time. Maintained heavy use of alcohol and marijuana throughout law school but has recently been abusing cocaine, and this …show more content…

As the counselor I will educate Lee to the synergistic effects of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. The counselor will also explain to Lee the purpose of the detoxification is to slowly and safely withdraw her from substance abuse and lower the risk of such an event occurring. The other danger in this case is intentional suicide. Lee is facing what may seem to her some overwhelming life tasks: possible loss of her job, embarrassment in being referred to an employee assistance program, the stigma of being an alcoholic or drug head, and needing treatment. All these and other issues may appear to Lee, now, just too much and she may toy with the possibility of suicide. This means the counselor will constantly monitor Lee’s statements and affect for clues that she may be contemplating …show more content…

The employer does not have the right to more detailed personal information on Lee. Thee ONLY thing the employer informed about is that Lee is keeping her appointments when into a treatment program, expected length of that program, and if she participated satisfactorily in that program.
The dual diagnosis issues may arouse that Lee may have several possibilities, but it would be important to begin a process of ruling out both Axis I and Axis II diagnoses as she becomes more stabilized in her treatment program. The counselor’s job would be to pass on any changes they see in the patients affect or demeanor to the medical staff, so they can do further evaluations or tests, if necessary. In Lee’s case counselors will get as much information of Lee’s family history as possible.
Lee’s has reached the induction phrase that she has made the decision to seek therapy, and the counselor will assess whether the Lee is willing to change. In this stage in Lee’s assessment the counselor will evaluate her stage of change and structures the therapy session to match Lee motivation level. This means the counselor will have to form an alliance with the client. The counselor assesses impediments to change, motivation for change, sets achievable goals and forms a treatment plan and contract. All these tasks must be accomplished in collaboration with

Open Document