Unit II Case Study
Instructions
As you have learned, many people abuse different substances. There are quite a number of programs that seek to help those who struggle with substance abuse. For this case study, you must select one of the following topics:
- alcohol abuse,
- tobacco abuse, or
- drug abuse (prescription or illicit drugs).
After selecting your topic, begin researching how public health programs in your community (i.e., city, county, state) can help decrease the number of people using alcohol, tobacco, or other addictive substances. Select one program, and write a case study that accomplishes the following objectives:
- Begin by explaining how epidemiology is used in community and public health substance abuse treatment and prevention programs.
- Describe the program you have selected. Include specific details and mitigating factors of the abuse issue (alcohol, tobacco, or other substance abuse) that the program is striving to combat.
- Use descriptive epidemiology to discuss why your chosen topic is a health concern in your community (i.e., city, county, state).
- Analyze the effectiveness of the program. Highlight any successes and identify areas of needed improvement.
Your case study must be at least two pages in length not counting the title and references pages. You must use at least three sources to support your case study, one of which may be your eTextbook and one must come from the CSU Online Library. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations in APA Style. APA formatting is otherwise not necessary.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Substance abuse is a widespread problem in our society, and it affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. There are various public health programs available in communities to address this issue. In this case study, the focus will be on drug abuse and how public health programs in a community can help reduce substance abuse.
Answer:
Epidemiology is widely used in community and public health substance abuse treatment and prevention programs. Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in a specific population. It helps to understand the patterns of drug abuse, including its risk factors, outcomes, and the effectiveness of treatment programs. Epidemiological data is used to develop intervention programs that are relevant to the community and focus on the prevention and treatment of drug abuse.
The program selected for this case study is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program. The program aims to decrease alcohol and drug use through screening and early intervention. SBIRT is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to identify individuals who are at risk of developing substance abuse disorders and provides them with appropriate interventions.
Drug abuse is a significant health concern in many communities, including the chosen community of this case study. The descriptive epidemiology of drug abuse shows that it is prevalent across all age groups, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. Research indicates that the use of illicit drugs increases the risk of health problems, such as mental health issues, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. There is also a significant impact on the community, including crime, lost productivity, and increased healthcare costs.
The SBIRT program has been effective in addressing the issue of drug abuse. The program has shown positive outcomes in early identification and intervention, reducing substance use, and improving the quality of life for individuals who participate. Additionally, SBIRT has been found to be cost-effective in comparison to traditional treatment models. A potential area of improvement for the program is increasing awareness and access to the services provided. There needs to be an emphasis on community involvement, education, and collaboration with other service providers to facilitate successful outcomes.
Conclusion:
Drug abuse is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address effectively. Public health programs like SBIRT are valuable resources in combating this problem. Epidemiology is a useful tool to develop a targeted approach to drug abuse prevention and treatment. By understanding the distribution of drug abuse, the SBIRT program, and its effectiveness, communities can better promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the negative impact of drug abuse.
