Psy 4793 Final Exam

Provide a brief (1-2 paragraph) response to each of the following.

1. Identify one personality disorder commonly associated with a family or personal history of substance use, and discuss why the link is present.

2. Discuss the primary distinction between 12-step programs and behavioral approaches to substance abuse treatment.

3. Discuss some of the common challenges to treating individuals with substance use disorders.

Responses to 1-3

1. Antisocial personality disorder is a personality order that is commonly associated with a family or personal history of substance abuse. Antisocial personality disorder is a psychological condition that causes a person to have no regard for right or wrong or for other people, including themselves. Affected individuals lack empathy and believe that rules do not apply to them. They also have trouble maintaining meaningful relationships with others.

A common link to substance abuse coincides with antisocial personality disorder. There are several reasons as to why there is a link between this disorder and substance abuse. Sufferers of this disorder typically engage in dangerous behaviors and do not have respect for themselves or rules, which causes them to disregard consequences to substance abuse. It is also challenging to treat a person with antisocial personality disorder because they deny that they have issues and can become aggressive and sometimes violent if treatment is suggested.

2. The primary distinction between 12 step programs and behavioral approaches to substance abuse treatment is the perception of what actually constitutes treatment. 12 step programs see substance dependency as the primary problem. Treat the addiction and the patient will begin to recover. A timeline is usually involved with treatment and