The chosen study exemplifies comparative efficacy features. 180 veteran participants with a history of reported substance abuse and acts of aggressive behaviour towards partners and non-partners, were assigned to 3 groups and compared. Over the course of 8 weeks, each group received a treatment intervention strategy unique to that group: Motivational Interviewing- Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (MI-CBT), another – MI-CBT plus Continuing Care (MI-CBT + CC), and the last one received was Enhanced Treatment as Usual (E-TAU). The experiment’s “primary objectives were to examine the impact of adjunct aggression intervention delivered during treatment on aggression and substance use outcomes” (Chermack et al., 2019). The implementation of MI-CBT and MI-CBT + CC strategies showed significant improvements in the subjects’ substance, reduction of aggression towards others; the findings exhibit the excellent potential of using modular cognitive behavior therapies in the future.
During the evaluation of this research, it has become apparent that Mr. Jake Levy falls under the criteria of the social groups studied perfectly. He has a substance abuse problem, which means that he uses it as a coping mechanism of recovery from previous environment with high-levels of stress. Despite him fitting the demographic under discussion well, it is still imperative to remember to “conceptualize, recognize, and evaluate the client’s belief system and behaviors within the context of the client’s gender, race and culture” (González-Prendes et al., 2019). Understanding the importance of considering the beliefs and behaviors adopted by the client, the social worker can implement CBT techniques successfully as, “behavioral changes should be accompanied by cognitive shifts that support long-term, adaptive changes” (Turner, 2017). In conclusion, the treatment style proposed by Chermack can be effectively applied to Mr. Levy’s situation. In particular, I would chose the MI-CBT + CC treatment care because in my opinion, Mr. Levy would have more sense of security and control of the situation, as being in a continuous communication process. There are no cultural or social obstacles for him not to benefit from the MI-CBT + CC therapy; therefore, it is expected to show positive results in his case.
References
Chermack, S. T., Bonar, E. E., Goldstick, J. E., Winters, J., Blow, F. C., Friday, S., Ilgen, M. A., Rauch S. A., Perron, B. E., Ngo, Q. Q. M., Walton, M. A. (2019). A randomized controlled trial for aggression and substance use involvement among Veterans: Impact of combining Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment and telephone-based Continuing Care. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 98(1), 78–88. Web.
González-Prendes, A. A., & Thomas, S. A. (2009). Culturally Sensitive Treatment of Anger in African American Women: A single case study. Clinical Case Studies, 8(5), 383–402. Web.
Turner, F. J. (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.