The case under analysis is connected with such popular nowadays issue of drugs and drug abuse. 24-year-old single Caucasian male called Sampson is convicted of possessing crystal meth. Though, he says that he does not use it regularly and his experience in this field is not rich. He confesses that he tried it six month ago with his girlfriend. Since that time he has used it not more than six or seven times.
According to his words, meth is not a problem for him as he is not addicted and, moreover, he does not have the history of addiction in his past. Members of his family also do not suffer from any kind of addiction. Samson is a socialized male. He works as an assistant manager in a local book store. He has never committed any crime and now he faces legal action because of possession of crystal methamphetamine as well as his girlfriend, who is also accused of prostitution.
The case is also supported with some relevant psychological and medical information. Sampson had some problems when his parents were divorcing. He was helped by the counselor. He says that it was useful and helped him very much. He attended school and finished it with average grades. Though, he left college when he was suggested the job.
First of all, it should be said that Sampson does not seem to be a person with complicated psychological problems. However, the necessity of some psychological investigation should not be denied. Taking into account some problems connected with the divorce of his parents, it should be said that some problems are still possible (Primary Methamphetamine/Amphetamine Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment: 2005, 2008).
The fact is that divorce can have pernicious influence on the conscience of a child and can result in the appearance of some hidden psychological problems and the feeling of guilt. With this in mind, is should also be said that supervision is needed. Though Sampson denies regular substance use, it is necessary to control this issue because of his background. Problems in childhood can lead to the development of depression and usage of crystal methamphetamine can be taken as the attempt to get rid of it (Brocato & Wagner, 2008).
With this in mind, it should also be said that some assessment tool should be created for Sampson to be able to determine whether he has any symptoms of depression or not. Additionally, it is also possible to recommend to guarantee support from the family (Hanser, Mire, & Braddock, 2011). Being one of the main factors which can influence the appearance of depression, family obtains great importance now because of its possible positive influence on Samson.
Finally, resting on the results of tests and data provided by assessment tools, it will be possible to make a certain conclusion. If Sampson really has symptoms of depression, his readiness to change should be measured and, with this in mind, a certain kind of therapy should be recommended. Additionally, similar work should be done with his girlfriend as she obviously has great influence on him and it could be her who suggested to try drugs. Being a prostitute, she obviously has complicated problems which should also be investigated.
However, there are some possible limitations connected with Sampsons desire to participate in the project as it will be useless without his sincere wish. Moreover, the cost of treatment should also be taken into account as Samson earns money by his own and it can be difficult for him to afford it.
References
Brocato, J., & Wagner, E. (2008). Predictors of retention in an alternative-to-prison substance abuse treatment program. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 35(1), 99–119, doi: 10.1177/0093854807309429
Hanser, R., Mire, S., & Braddock, A. (2011). Correctional counseling. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Primary Methamphetamine/Amphetamine Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment: 2005. (2008). SAMHSA.