CourseLover
$10/per page/Negotiable
1. Please introduce yourself to the class and tell us ehy are
you taking this course?
Hey Classmates, I’m Jammie embarking on my senior year in
the social justice and advocacy program through the UWW
here at UMass. I decided to add this course to my curriculum
because substance abuse plays a large role in my life. I am
also interested into working in the field providing treatment to
individuals suffering from trauma, substance abuse and
addictions of any kind. I would like to work primarily with
women and youth utilizing substance abuse as a means to
cope with their issues. 2. What do you see as the biggest problem facing the field of
substance abuse treatment in years to come?
The field is plagued with abuse. The quality treatment centers
come at a cost and the state funded centers have more of a
revolving door. Substance treatment needs to include a full
service treatment in order to have a more successful rate. We
need to attack the problems earlier so that there will be access
to support systems/ treatments in the event of relapse.
Substance abuse treatment will always be tricky because there
is a problem with substance availability. It's a problem that is
dependent on surrounding community issues. 3. Imagine yourself going into counseling for the first time. As
you sit in the waiting room, what type of things would be on
your mind?
At first glance I would be obsessed with the office, its layout,
ways that the office made me comfortable to embark upon
seeking treatment or services. I would be thinking about the
other people in the room, wondering why they were here and
what issues they might be seeking the same services as me
for. I would also be wondering if I would be relieved or more
anxious after my counseling session. 4. From a counselors perspective, what types of things are
important to discuss and review during the first visit? Family background, the current issues I’m facing that brought
me in to the office. Its important to discuss the expectations of
counseling. On initial visit I think its important to establish if you are with a counselor you can accept help from. Discussing
any traumas or issues is important but most importantly you
should feel free to be open and honest from the beginning to
get the best out of counseling. 5. Please click on this SAMHSA web site and take a look
around at the various links - find one that interest you and
tell me why. http://www.samhsa.gov/ On SAMHSA I found interest in the link dedicated to trauma and violence. Its no
secret that I will focus on advocating for individuals upon completion of my
degree but seeing that this is a widespread and costly health concern confirms I
have chosen an excellent area of focus. There’s a definite correlation between
substance abuse and trauma/ violence. I feel like this is the area that needs the
most attention.