Brian Case Overview
Brian was one of the two people discussed in the intervention video #4. The clip has detailed many of the man’s life circumstances, including his family, loved ones, housing and finances, as well as the type of addiction he is suffering from. Brian is a 24-year-old male working as a model, who lives in Arizona. The man has two main problems in his life – a drug addiction and a sex addiction. In his free time, Brian uses methamphetamines often and engages in risk-taking behavior. His consumption of meth is varied, including smoking, snorting, injections and other possible methods of drug use. Brian also has a sexual addiction, often watching pornographic content and engaging in a large number of sexual relations. While having a permanent partner in his life, the man does not refrain from having sexual intercourse with other men on a regular basis, having reported to have been with at least 500 partners. Due to his promiscuous lifestyle and tendency to engage in unprotected sex, he has contracted a number of STD’s, including syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. The drug addiction forces the man to constantly seek out drugs and use them, while also realizing that the practice is not beneficial to his well being. While in the presence of his family, the man finds opportunities to use drugs regularly, not being able to exercise self-control. His close ones are strongly against Brian’s habits and do not approve of his risky, self-destructive behaviors. An intervention has been staged as a way to support Brian, and for the people in his life to voice all of the concerns they have been living with for this time. As the result of the procedure, Brian has agreed to proceed with the rehabilitation effort. Relapsing a number of times since, he has finally moved into a sober living facility in Florida.
Addictive Issues
In terms of addiction, it is difficult to fully understand and evaluate Brian’s circumstances, as they are being complicated by the variety of activities he engages in. His sex addiction, for instance, can be seen as detrimental to his relationship with his boyfriend, and to his physical health. The activities Brian takes part in have led to him developing at least 3 severe diseases. At the same time, sexual relationships and a person’s partaking in sexual activities are still contended to be a form of addiction. Due to the intimate and social nature of the activity, it is hard to understand whether it should be considered an addiction worth treating, or a lifestyle choice (Carnes & Adams, 2020). While it is undeniable that Brian’s actions do not bring him a benefit, it is also hard to use medical or psychological tools to stop him. In terms of drug use, he is suffering from a severe methamphetamine addiction, which causes a variety of both physical and psychological determinants to the man’s health. His relatives have reported that his teeth are falling out, he often engages in risk-taking behaviors, and acts in an erratic manner. The use of meth has been noted to be higher than average in men who have sex with other man, which is a concerning coincidence concerning Brian (Fletcher et al., 2018). The habit alienates people that want to help him, and does not allow him to function well within society, find a stable job or housing.
References
Carnes, P., & Adams, K. M. (2020). Clinical management of sex addiction. Routledge.
Fletcher, J. B., Swendeman, D., & Reback, C. J. (2018). Mental health and substance use disorder comorbidity among methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 50(3), 206–213. Web.