Salisbury University Effects of Being Addicted to Heroin Case

For this discussion, you will read the case scenario below (based off characters from the film: Nuyerican Dream) and review the client’s completed C-SSRS. Then you will answer the questions below. 

You are a hospital social worker. Betty’s brother (Robert) contacted you following his last visit with his sister. He reported that Betty is depressed and told him she did not want to live anymore.  

Your Client: Beatrice Torres, is a 27 years old Latina female. She reports that she has been addicted to heroin and cocaine for many years. When using, she “disappears” for long periods of time, leaving her children in the custody of her mother. Last year, she decided to give temporary custody of your three children,  — Leysha, Tommy, and Pap – to her mother.  Recently, after partying all night, she woke up in a hotel room and could not move her hand.  Betty’s hand swelled to three times its normal size and she was hospitalized as a result.  While in the hospital she detoxed and is now considering inpatient treatment. She noted  sometimes  “I wish I were 14 again.”  Betty notes that she feels guilty about the physical and emotional impact that her addiction has had upon her family (two of your children have health issues as a result of her use of drugs while pregnant and her mother is stressed out because she is taking care of Betty’s children. Betty notes that she “does not want to be alive”. 

Please review her attached completed C-SSRS (located at the bottom of this write-up).

Questions to answer:

1. What are your overall impressions of this client? Remember to identity strengths. 

2. As her hosptial social worker, what are your next steps with Betty? Include any follow up questions you want to ask and any referrals. 

3. If this client was in an outpatient setting, what would you do differently?