PSYC FPX 4300 Assessment 1 Whats Your Problem
Student Name
Capella University
PSYC FPX 4300 Introduction to Addiction Treatment
Prof. Name
Date
PSYC FPX 4300 Assessment 1 Whats Your Problem
Melissa’s assessment indicates problematic Adderall use that warrants a comprehensive substance use evaluation and early intervention. Her pattern of taking Adderall daily and increasing the dose to two or three pills during periods of significant stress suggests loss of control over stimulant use and may place her at risk for substance use disorder and related physical and psychological complications. Academic pressure, anxiety, limited family support, and peer substance use appear to be important factors contributing to her Adderall use.
Substance Use History
Client Name: Melissa
Assessment Date: June 28, 2023
History of Substance Use: Yes
Melissa reported using Adderall regularly. She stated that she normally takes one pill per day but increases her use to two or three pills when experiencing heightened stress. On June 28, 2023, she reported taking Adderall three times during the day.
| Drug | First Use | Pattern of Use Over Time | Frequency in Past Month | Most Recent Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adderall | Not reported | One pill daily, increasing to two or three during periods of stress | Daily | June 28, 2023; three times that day |
Adderall Use and Drug Combinations
Melissa reported that she has not intentionally combined Adderall with other substances. In particular, she denied combining it with alcohol, cocaine, or Xanax. This is clinically important because combining stimulants or prescription medications with other substances can increase the risk of adverse effects and unpredictable interactions.
Prescription stimulants such as Adderall can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Taking higher-than-prescribed amounts or combining stimulants with other substances may further increase cardiovascular and neurological risks. Therefore, assessing all medications, prescription drugs, alcohol, and illicit substances is an important part of a comprehensive substance use evaluation.
Melissa’s avoidance of combining Adderall with other substances may reduce some interaction-related risks; however, her escalating use during stressful periods remains an important concern that requires professional assessment.
Medical Concerns Associated With Adderall Misuse
Melissa’s daily Adderall use and tendency to increase her dosage during periods of stress raise concerns about problematic stimulant use. However, a substance use disorder diagnosis should be based on established diagnostic criteria and a comprehensive clinical assessment rather than frequency of use alone.
Adderall contains amphetamine-based stimulant medications that affect neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These effects can increase alertness and sympathetic nervous system activity. Excessive or inappropriate stimulant use may contribute to symptoms such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, sweating, agitation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Repeated misuse may also contribute to psychological difficulties. In Melissa’s case, anxiety and academic stress appear closely connected to her pattern of increasing Adderall use. Her reported depressive symptoms should therefore be evaluated separately to determine whether they are related to substance use, an underlying mental health condition, or both.
Family History and Risk Factors
Family history is another important component of Melissa’s assessment. Her father has a history of alcoholism, while her mother uses Xanax to manage anxiety. Although these substances differ from Adderall, a family history of substance misuse may represent one of several factors associated with increased vulnerability to problematic substance use.
Research suggests that substance misuse among young people can be influenced by multiple interacting factors, including family environment, individual characteristics, psychological distress, peer influences, and social circumstances (Alhammad et al., 2022). Family history should therefore be considered as part of a broader biopsychosocial assessment rather than viewed as a direct cause of Melissa’s Adderall use.
Academic Stress and Social Environment
Melissa’s current environment appears to contribute significantly to her substance use. She is experiencing academic stress and anxiety related to obtaining funding for college. These pressures may encourage her to use Adderall as a way of coping with stress or maintaining academic performance.
Peer influence is another concern. Melissa reports being surrounded by friends who also misuse Adderall, which may normalize frequent or excessive stimulant use. At the same time, difficulties within her family have left her feeling unsupported.
These circumstances suggest several areas that should be addressed during treatment:
- Academic and financial stress
- Anxiety and emotional distress
- Peer influence and substance-using social networks
- Family conflict or lack of support
- Coping skills and healthy stress-management strategies
- Motivation to reduce or stop problematic Adderall use
Recommended Treatment Approach
Treatment should focus on Melissa’s individual needs and should address both her substance use and the underlying factors contributing to it. Because she is an adolescent, treatment should be developmentally appropriate and involve appropriate family or caregiver support when clinically and legally permitted.
A comprehensive evaluation should determine the severity of her stimulant use, assess withdrawal or intoxication risks, screen for co-occurring mental health conditions, and identify immediate safety concerns.
Behavioral interventions can help Melissa recognize triggers for Adderall use and develop healthier coping strategies. Behavioral change counseling may also help healthcare professionals support patients in identifying problematic behaviors, increasing motivation for change, and developing realistic strategies for reducing substance-related harm (Dragomir et al., 2019).
Detoxification should not automatically be viewed as the primary treatment simply because Melissa uses Adderall. The need for medically supervised withdrawal or other levels of care should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional after assessing her pattern of use, dose, symptoms, co-occurring conditions, and overall safety.
For an adolescent experiencing substance-related problems, treatment may include:
- Comprehensive substance use assessment
- Individual behavioral counseling
- Screening and treatment for anxiety or depression
- Family-based support when appropriate
- Development of healthy coping mechanisms
- Academic and social support
- Monitoring for continued stimulant misuse
- Referral to an adolescent substance use specialist when indicated
Ethical Considerations for Treating a Minor
Because Melissa is 15 years old, ethical and legal considerations are particularly important. Healthcare professionals must protect her privacy while also following applicable laws and institutional policies concerning minors, parental involvement, consent, and confidentiality.
Confidentiality should be explained clearly to Melissa, including any circumstances in which information may need to be disclosed to protect her safety or comply with legal requirements. Healthcare professionals should also provide care that respects her dignity, autonomy to the extent appropriate for her developmental level, and best interests.
Nurses have an important role in advocating for adolescents with substance use concerns. A nonjudgmental approach can encourage honest communication and make it easier to identify substance use, mental health concerns, family difficulties, and other safety issues.
Overall Assessment
Melissa’s assessment identifies several factors associated with problematic Adderall use, including daily stimulant consumption, increased use during periods of stress, anxiety, academic pressure, peer substance use, and limited perceived family support. Her history also includes a family background of substance-related and medication use.
Her situation requires more than simply addressing Adderall consumption. Effective care should consider the psychological, social, academic, and family factors contributing to her behavior. A comprehensive assessment can help determine the appropriate diagnosis and level of care while identifying any immediate medical or mental health risks.
Conclusion
Melissa’s daily Adderall use and increased consumption during periods of stress indicate a significant need for further substance use and mental health evaluation. Her academic pressures, anxiety, peer environment, and limited family support may be reinforcing her reliance on the stimulant. A patient-centered treatment plan should combine appropriate clinical assessment, behavioral counseling, mental health support, education, and family or social resources. Because Melissa is a minor, confidentiality, consent, safety, and advocacy should remain central considerations throughout her care.
References
Alhammad, M., Aljedani, R., Alsaleh, M., Atyia, N., Alsmakh, M., Alfaraj, A., Alkhunaizi, A., Alwabari, J., & Alzaidi, M. (2022). Family, individual, and other risk factors contributing to risk of substance abuse in young adults: A narrative review. Cureus, 14(12), e32316. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.32316
Braun, R., Ravn, T., & Frankus, E. (2020). What constitutes expertise in research ethics and integrity? Research Ethics. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747016119898402
Dragomir, A. I., Julien, C. A., Bacon, S. L., Boucher, V. G., & Lavoie, K. L. (2019). Training physicians in behavioural change counseling: A systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling, 102(1), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2018.08.025
PSYC FPX 4300 Assessment 1 Whats Your Problem
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