Mary is 27 years old; she has a history of alcohol dependence over several years. Mary has a daughter Kylie aged 3 years old who displays signs of fetal alcohol syndrome. Social work services have been involved with Mary and Kylie since her birth. Kylie was taken into the temporary custody of foster care as a result of Mary arriving to pick Kylie up from day care while significantly under the influence of alcohol. Mary has demonstrated ambivalence regarding her ability to control her alcohol use. Mary describes her self as unworthy of help. Mary notes that alcoholism runs in her family (father, and grandmother) and feels that her drinking/alcoholism was inevitable and she accepts her fate. She also feels being a bad parent runs in her family. Mary has referred herself to a local counselling agency as suggested by the social worker and her General practitioner. While there, Mary noted that she is only there because people tell her she needs to do something about her drinking. Mary notes, that for her, drinking is part of who she is and all she knows. Drinking helps her relax and she feels she is a better parent/friend when she drinks. In addition, Mary notes that she has attempted to stop before and felt less motivated, unproductive, and really did not feel like herself. She sees herself as lazy and often would not want to engage with her daughter or friends when sober. Mary notes that her daughter is currently in the system and in order for her to regain custody she must do something about her alcohol use. Mary appears angry, and also notes that she is sad and guilty about her daughter, which is why she drinks, it helps her to forget her problems. Mary noted she first started drinking to help her hide her feelings. Mary noted that she grew up with both her parents in a middle class family, but her father was both physically and emotionally abusive to her mother. Mary noted her father was often drunk during these fits of rages and in spite of her best efforts to stop she is going to end up like him. Mary admits that she drinks in front her daughter and often forgets to do basic tasks like cook dinner or do laundry. Mary notes she has been drinking for so long she is not sure what it would look like if she stopped or how she would be able to manage her feelings and just life in general. Right now her drinking allows her to be an absent parent rather than an abusive parent. Mary notes she drinks daily, mostly vodka but when money is low she will do a hard cider. She admits it is becoming harder for her to feel the effects of the alcohol and does not feel she is intoxicated. Mary admits that most of her money is spent on alcohol which leaves very little for her daughters needs. Mary ends the meeting noting that the thought of her not drinking scares her.  She feels her daughter, as well as her friends, will not love who she is when sober.

Consider how you might use the principles of cognitive and behavioral theories with Mary

1. Identify the primary problem of the client
2. What irrational beliefs does Mary display
3. How might you help Mary challenge her irrational believes
4. What would an intervention look like for Mary (cognitive/behavioral)
5. What barriers might exist that could prevent Mary from the change process and how might you address them?

ANSWER

 Overcoming Alcohol Dependence: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach for Mary

Introduction

Mary’s struggle with alcohol dependence has significantly impacted her life and her ability to be a responsible parent to her daughter, Kylie. As a social worker, using principles from cognitive and behavioral theories can help Mary challenge her irrational beliefs and develop healthier coping strategies to overcome her addiction. This essay explores the primary problem faced by Mary, identifies her irrational beliefs, outlines interventions using cognitive-behavioral principles, and addresses potential barriers that may hinder her progress towards recovery.

Identifying the Primary Problem

The primary problem faced by Mary is her alcohol dependence, which has led to neglectful parenting and a lack of responsibility in performing daily tasks. Her addiction has significantly affected her emotional well-being, leading to feelings of guilt, sadness, and anger. Additionally, her belief that she is destined to be an alcoholic and unworthy of help contributes to her resistance to change.

Irrational Beliefs Displayed by Mary

The belief that alcoholism is inevitable and runs in her family, leaving her powerless to change her fate.
The belief that alcohol helps her cope with emotions and be a better parent and friend, despite evidence of the negative consequences.
The belief that she cannot function or engage with others when sober, leading to feelings of worthlessness and laziness.

 Challenging Irrational Beliefs

Using cognitive-behavioral techniques, the social worker can help Mary challenge her irrational beliefs by:

Identifying and examining evidence contradicting her beliefs: Encourage Mary to explore times when she coped effectively without alcohol and had positive interactions with her daughter and friends while sober.
Cognitive restructuring: Help Mary replace negative self-talk with more positive and realistic thoughts to build self-esteem and motivation for change.
Behavioral experiments: Encourage Mary to try engaging in sober activities and observing the outcomes, challenging her belief that she cannot function without alcohol.

IVCognitive-Behavioral Intervention

The intervention plan for Mary will involve a combination of cognitive and behavioral techniques:

Motivational Interviewing: The social worker can use this approach to explore Mary’s intrinsic motivation to change and set achievable goals for reducing alcohol consumption.
Cognitive Restructuring: Help Mary challenge and modify her negative beliefs about her ability to cope without alcohol and develop healthier coping strategies.
Behavioral Activation: Encourage Mary to engage in pleasurable and fulfilling activities when sober to increase positive experiences and reduce reliance on alcohol.

Addressing Barriers to Change

Barriers that may prevent Mary from the change process include:

Fear of withdrawal symptoms: Address this concern by providing information about withdrawal management and offering support during the process.
 Lack of support: Encourage Mary to participate in support groups or therapy to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Coping with emotions: Teach Mary healthy coping strategies, such as mindfulness and stress reduction techniques, to manage negative emotions without turning to alcohol.

Conclusion

Using the principles of cognitive and behavioral theories, the social worker can help Mary challenge her irrational beliefs and develop new coping strategies to overcome alcohol dependence. By addressing potential barriers and providing a supportive environment, Mary can take the first steps towards recovery and regain her role as a responsible and loving parent to her daughter, Kylie.