Colleague 1
COLLAPSE
Post two examples of internal consequences that may result from clients with problems with addiction

Sedatives and tranquilizer prescription medications, commonly abused, including Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Tranxene, Dalmane, Restoril, are members of the benzodiazepine family (Garrett, 2012). Benzodiazepine abuse causes internal consequences, that impact an addict’s life and arent visible to the naked eye. Long-term benzo addiction can cause visual and tactile hallucinations and the elevation of blood pressure, pulse, and temperature (Garrett, 2012). Evidence has shown, through brain scanning techniques, benzodiazepines becoming toxic to the brain, showing a diminished and dehydrated activity pattern, (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016).

Explain one challenge for overcoming internal consequences

There are two distinct overlapping notions of denial, however, the use of denial as an unconscious defense mechanism, can hinder an addicts and the clinicians ability to help them overcome internal challenges (Garrett, 2012).  Addicts use denial as a defense mechanism by preventing intolerable, negative emotions that may overwhelm the mind (Garrett, 2012).  Denial, as a psychotic defense mechanism, is said to be involuntary or unconscious.  Addicts using denial as a psychotic defense mechanism denies, majorly distorts, and is out of contact with reality and believes something is or is not true (Garrett, 2012).  An alcoholics and addict’s judgment and critical thinking are clouded by the psychotic defense mechanism, causing them to continue to believe something that is (Garrett, 2012). Alcoholics delusions allow them to believe next time they will be able to manage their drinking without the same past recurrent problems, which could become fatal and lead to respiratory arrest. Garrett (2012) states unconscious denial, if not brought into focus as extremely sharp as possible, poses the principle obstacle to recovery.

Finally, explain two strategies that you might use as a future addiction professional to address internal consequences

If I acquired the necessary qualifications to do so, one strategy I may use for an alcoholic is the distribution of Antabuse.  Antabuse doesnt affect an alcoholics’ desire to drink, however, when alcohol is consumed, severe sickness occurs, which could remind the alcoholic of the symptoms relating to withdrawal (Garrett, 2012).  Antabuse can be used in conjunction with other alcohol treatments and has been available for many years.  The second strategy I would use to address internal factors is the Personality Assessment Inventory Assessment (PAI).  The PAI is a 344 item assessment, answered on a 4-point scale that has separate scales for addressing drugs and alcohol.  The PAI is a personality and psychopathology assessment for adults, using rational and empirical methods, to assess treatment-related variables and intrapersonal styles (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016).  A 2009 study performed by Siefert, Sinclair, Kehl-Fie, and Blais demonstrated internal consistency, along with item divergence and scale level statistics, for both PAI scales, Alcohol Problems Scale (ALC) and Drug Problems Scale (DRG) (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016).