Fantasy Agency - for Alcohol and Drug Addicts - Term Paper Example

? Fantasy Agency: For Alcohol and Drug addicts The Severity of this condition In this growing economy and fast advancement in the modern era, there are some people who weren’t able to deal with the pace. They indulged in inappropriate activities since a very young age, hence were not able to adjust in the pace that this new economic order required. They indulged in activities like, drug addiction and hence also got addicted to alcohol, two nuisances which became solely responsible for destroying their potential talents, their potential careers and marooned the world of some very capable professionals. For these people, there is barely any acceptance in our society, or at least near my community (Berglund, et al, 2006). These people are ridiculed, mocked and not given almost any significant attention. They have been cut off from various aspects of life due to the mental dependence upon alcohols and drugs. Those, who have gained an addiction to an extreme level and almost face a craving of drugs every time have even gained severe illnesses not only mental but physical as well. They have become mental handicaps towards drugs (Velasquez, 2001). There have even been accounts of some addicts who opted for physical violence or even murder to fulfill their drug cravings. The treatment is not easy as it seems and may even prolong for a very long period of time. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2009) For these addicts, a community center is in need to be established. The cure for this sort of addiction is not an easy task and consists of numerous therapies, treatments activities and moreover, the support of the addict’s family. It is sad that many families do not opt for such treatment as they may consider it as an ‘insult’ or a mark of ‘disgrace’ disgrace for their family. Due to this factor, a large population of addicts goes untreated (NSDUH survey 2009). A community center should be established for this exact cause so as to allow families to get their loved ones treated. It might be a lengthy process, but it is in the best interest of that drug addict (U.S. department of health, 2005). This treatment is in best interest for the addicts as it allows them to explore who they really are outside of their addiction. It enables them to explore their true potential and helps them in broadening their minds. With such rejuvenation, they will not only gain sanity but also be able to take part in different aspects of the community from which they were excluded before. This problem is not only a tumor in my nearby society, but has become an international issue that must be solved in order to ensure the welfare of the community. A brief background for the community center Such community centers should have a name that reflects hope and peace for those who want their loved ones to live a happy life again after drug addiction. They should feel comfortable in there and should feel relaxed and tempted in having their loved ones treated in the center. Hence the preferred name for such a community center should be Community Wellness center or Mass Rejuvenation Center, with a slogan stating, ‘A Womb for the rejuvenation of the helpless’. Community centers should not only attract people, but should also be able to create a healthy and prosperous environment in them to ensure the family that their loved one will be dealt with great affection. This can be achieved by setting up the best activities for patients in this rejuvenation center. This is the main aspect of the center that needs to be developed and will ensure the safe guard of the addict in reality. There are countless activities that can prove to be vital for the addicts. However, before any activity, there should be counselors appointed for this purpose. Counselors are the best known therapists who can truly get into the mind of the addict. There should be multiple counselors in such a rejuvenation center who can handle multiple patients at one time. These counselors are able to understand the gravity or seriousness of the case of the drug addict who is in front of them. They know the art of asking the correct question to the addict and being able to know what he truly feels and lacks in himself. They should be able to understand the true potential of the addict and help him achieve that goal with in himself. These counselors should be certified therapists who have experience in this field as well. (Velasquez 2001) After the process of counseling, come the therapies that will truly aid the addict to understand his current situation and the behavior that he has attained towards the people around him. For this purpose, group activities such as role playing activities will serve this purpose best. For this, a group should be formed, with a facilitator, two role players and finally the addict himself. The facilitator should assign the roles himself, one of a drug addict and the other role for a non-addict. A negative situation should be set up, such as getting to work late or missing a date with a family member or a relative. The drug addict role player should portray the role of the addict, who will act as an observer, in such a way that the addict truly understands the seriousness of his current situation. He should be able to see how drug addiction has changed his behavior and temperament and how his process of thinking has changed in time (Velasquez, 2001). Another activity is also necessary to allow the addict to open his feelings and expression to everyone. This can be done by one simple activity. The addict should be provided with a notepad and a pencil and should be told to write down his expression and feelings that he experiences whenever he observes any particular change or anomaly in his environment. This paper and pad should be with him at all times and he should be allowed to write down his expressions whenever he feels the need to. Then almost daily, the pad should be checked by his own counselor, who will then asses the addict and take steps for further therapy. (Velasquez 2001) After all this, a role playing activity should take place for denial of drug usage. The addict should be exposed to drugs by the facilitator and the role players and if they want to indulge in it, the family members too. However, during this time, he should be repeatedly told about the consequences that he might face, and the mental disabilities that will intensify after this. After this role playing, he should be allowed to tell about his feelings that he experienced during that whole time. (Velasquez 2001) Staff and Requirement As mentioned in the measures and tasks above, there is a need of a proper staff for this kind of a community center. The staff will keep the entire work, including the counseling, the group activities and even the individual work required on the addict up and running and organized at the same time. This would require a special trained as well as qualified staff for full functionality. For the group activities, interns will prove to be a vital contribution for this purpose. They can portray the role of the addict in an appropriate manner. For this, the institute will have to develop special affiliations with government hospitals and professional psychologists who can provide them with proper interns who will take full interest in this activity. These activities are interesting and hence will indulge them in it fully without them losing interest. For role playing activities, the family members may also be encouraged to take part for they are the one who truly know the addict’s behavior. The counselors are a vital part for complete functionality of this community. Counselors need to be highly qualified, trained professionals who may even have experience in dealing with drug addicts. The only people qualified for this purpose can be Ph.D. scholars in behavioral or any other form of psychology who also have the education required to deal with these addicts. Again, for this purpose the center has to have professional links with government hospitals, organizations and universities to find the perfect people suitable for this job. There should also be a nursing staff that could keep the entire work organized inside the Community Center. This staff may be responsible for dealing with all daily necessities required for the patients and should also maintain some sort of order in the center to make sure no abnormal situation takes place. Security guards must also be appointed for this purpose and the facilitation of the nurses. The place required for this community center should be sufficient enough to hold within itself a few wards and a playground. The wards should have the capacity to hold all the admitted patients of a particular community and the community alone. A park must be present as well to allow maximum recreational facilities for the patients who will be admitted there. By this, not only will the addicts feel comfortable but so will their families who have trusted the community center for such a tough curing. To prevent the staff from doing a job anywhere else, they should be provided with maximum facilities. This is so because work at the community center is a full time job which requires proper attention from everyone from the counselors to the nurses. They should be provided with proper meals and even shifts if they have a full time job anywhere else. This will ensure full time contribution from every individual. Funding and Evaluation This is a big time project that will definitely require funding from authentic sources. The best institution that will assure funding is the government sector. Government hospitals, universities and other institutions must be contacted at all cost to ensure that the individuals participating in this community service will be fully qualified and authentic for the management of this project. Government officers may be appointed in the center so as to keep them satisfied as well. Some might question, that how the measures taken can affect the patient positively? For this the answer is that the activities have been deeply studied and researched about and their outcomes noted as well by authentic sources. The role playing exercises will bring a sense of shame inside the drug addict, for he will realize how his addiction has taken him away from sane decisions. It will help him understand himself and truly asses his situation. He will understand the gravity of the situation and be able to take more interest in making himself a better citizen for the community. With the help of the note pad, the counselor will be able to truly asses the inner mind of the addict. Addicts are never expressive about their feelings except for their cravings for drugs. The addict must be explored and properly examined. With proper examination, the counselors will be able to set a better activity that will suit the addict best and aid him in curing his disease. Not only that, but it may also help in exploring his inner talents and potentials. Professional Issues These community centers serve as the best rejuvenation center for every addict and they are present in various corners of the world as well. However, there are some ethical issues that are in need to be dealt with. Families usually opt to keep the drug addict in secrecy from everyone and by doing this; they are making the mental situation of their loved one even worst. This may even lead to suicide attempts. Families do not expose their addicts to communities as they feel it is a matter of disgrace for their family and will put a bad mark on them for generations to come that is a wrong perception and attitude (McGovern, 2012). The families should be properly educated in this purpose, they should be told that it is not a point of disgrace but rather a matter of pride that they want their loved one to return to his true life and live a prosperous and happy life. It shows that the family truly cares for their individual and is fully committed for their betterment and return to normal life. Communities should be supportive for this act and should encourage this activity for all inflicted families. This can be done by proper education by the spreading of pamphlets and even advertisement and public service commercial on television and the internet. These measures will only make the society more prosperous. References National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2009). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide. US: National Institute on Drug Abuse U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services (2005). Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy. DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 05-3991. Retrieved online from www.ctcertboard.org/files/TIP41.pdf Velasquez, M. (2001). Group Treatment for Substance Abuse. USAA Stages-Of-Change Therapy Manual. USA: Guilford Press McGovern, M.P. (2012). ‘An intervention to increase alcohol treatment engagement: A pilot trial’, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 43 (2): 161-167 Berglund, M, Thelander, S., Jonsson, E. (2006). Treating Alcohol and Drug Abuse: An Evidence Based Review. NY: John Wiley & Sons Appendix: Fantasy Agency/Term Paper Rubric (20 points) 3 2 1 0 Content Section 1: Brief Description of Population or Topic Brief description of your population or topic clearly answers the question, “Why would this population need a community agency serving it?” Extensive research is cited that provides a clear rationale on why this population would benefit from this agency. Brief description of your population or topic answers the question, “Why would this population need a community agency serving it?” Some research is cited that provides a rationale on why this population would benefit from this agency. Brief description of your population or topic loosely answers the question, “Why would this population need a community agency serving it?” Little research is cited that provides a rationale on why this population would benefit from this agency or research is irrelevant to the topic. No rationale for the creation of your agency is provided, and/or rationale lacks research support. Section 2: Description of Agency, Mission, & Treatment Services Agency description includes name, mission statement, and type of treatment provided. The therapeutic services provided are supported by evidenced-based research, and include a plan for any crisis intervention needs in your population. Section clearly incorporates course material, showing depth of understanding and application. Agency description includes name, mission statement, and type of treatment provided. The therapeutic services provided are somewhat supported by evidenced-based research, but are not clearly labeled. Crisis intervention needs are loosely labeled. Section incorporates course material. One of agency name, mission statement, and type of treatment provided are omitted. The therapeutic services provided are not supported by evidenced-based research. Crisis intervention needs are loosely labeled or omitted altogether. Section loosely incorporates course material. Two or more of agency name, mission statement, and type of treatment provided are omitted. The therapeutic services provided are not listed and/or are not supported by evidenced-based research. Crisis intervention needs are omitted. Section does not incorporate course material. Section 3: Agency Operations & Staffing All staff required to work in and run the agency are listed, including the correct role of the professional counselor. All major physical resources required to operate your agency are included. Any special facilities, equipment, or physical settings/space that your particular population needs are clearly defined as they relate to the course materials and your topic. There is a clear plan to address burnout/prevent staff turnover. Most staff required to work in and run the agency are listed. The professional counselor’s role in your agency is loosely defined, omitted, or incorrect. Most major physical resources required to operate your agency are included. Any special facilities, equipment, or physical settings/space that your particular population needs are defined as they relate to the course materials and your topic. There is a plan to address burnout. Staff required to work in and run the agency is vague or omitted altogether. Physical resources required to operate your agency are vague or omitted altogether. Any special facilities, equipment, or physical settings/space that your particular population needs are vague or omitted altogether. There is no plan to address burnout. Section 4: Funding & Program Evaluation Sources of funding are clearly labeled. Program evaluation measures are clearly defined and relate to the effectiveness of your agency’s outcomes. There is a clear relationship between funding and program evaluation outcomes. Sources of funding are labeled. Program evaluation measures are defined, though the relationship to the effectiveness of your agency’s outcomes is vague. The relationship between funding and program evaluation outcomes is unclear. Either the sources of funding or program evaluation measures are missing or are poorly defined. The relationship between funding and program evaluation outcomes is unclear. Both the sources of funding and program evaluation measures are missing or are poorly defined. The relationship between funding and program evaluation outcomes is unclear or omitted altogether. Section 5: Professional Issues Professional issues (including ethical, legal, and multicultural issues) affecting your population are labeled, with a clear plan to address them. One or two professional issues (including ethical, legal, and multicultural issues) affecting your population are labeled, but the plan to address them is vague. Professional issues (including ethical, legal, and multicultural issues) affecting your population are omitted. Research Support Paper includes minimum 8 academic references (e.g., professionally written books, refereed journal articles) to support paper content. Paper includes minimum 5 academic references (e.g., professionally written books, refereed journal articles) to support paper content. Paper includes fewer than 5 academic references (e.g., professionally written books, refereed journal articles) to support paper content. Writing Style Clarity of Writing & Mechanics Writing is crisp, clear, and succinct. The writer incorporates the active voice when appropriate and supports ideas with examples. No spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors are made. Structure of paper includes introductory and conclusion paragraphs. Writing is generally clear, but unnecessary words are occasionally used. Meaning is sometimes not explicit. Paragraph or sentence structure is sometimes repetitive. Few (3) spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors are made. Introductory and/or concluding paragraphs are missing. Writing is often unclear. Sentence structure, grammar, and/or punctuation are problematic throughout the paper. Lack of clarity and mechanical errors makes it difficult to rate this paper on other rubric dimensions. Formatting of Paper Font, spacing, and APA format are adhered to. The length of the paper adheres to the assignment requirements (i.e., 5-10 pages of content, not including title page or references). Title page and running head are correctly formatted. APA-style section headings appropriately organize the paper. References and in-text citations are correctly typed in APA formatting. End of text references match in-text citations. This rubric is copy/pasted as last page of the paper. One or two of the following are missing or incorrect: Font, spacing, and APA format are adhered to. The length of the paper adheres to the assignment requirements (i.e., 5-10 pages of content, not including title page or references). Title page and running head are correctly formatted. APA-style section headings appropriately organize the paper. References and in-text citations are correctly typed in APA formatting. End of text references match in-text citations. This rubric is copy/pasted as last page of the paper. Frequent errors in APA formatting are evident throughout the paper OR the length of the paper does not adhere to the assignment requirements. Reference page formatting contains errors. This rubric is copy/pasted as last page of the paper, but the formatting is corrupted. Lack of formatting makes it difficult to rate this paper on other rubric dimensions. This grading rubric is missing. Section headings are missing. Total Points: Read More