ADCS 1000 Final Exam

Your phenomenological essay(s) must incorporate class lecture material, class readings, along with integrating personal / critical opinion, and be presented in a fashion that when critiqued makes meaningful sense while offering insight into the phenomena of addiction under study. Answers must also contain a minimum of 5 APA quotes from LECTURE MATERIAL / VIDEO / MY COMMENTARY; and be a minimum of 5 pages per question.

Section I: Value

Select one question to answer from the options below

1) Bruce Alexander’s “Dislocation Theory” is an important contribution and step in the right direction toward combating addictive behaviors in the 21^st century.  Describe and discuss the tenets of this theory along with elucidating its components by applying them to your own lifeworld or the culture in which you live today (your answer must be comprehensive).

2) In Louie Theroux’s film about “high rollers” in Las Vegas – we were introduced to 1 potential problem gambler (Louie) and 4 other gamblers (The Mattress King; Martha the slot’s enthusiast, John “never leave the table guy”, and John’s best friend Tim.  Thus, your task is to determine whether these individuals are pathological gamblers, problem gamblers, or maybe they are heavy social gamblers... Given that the criteria for pathological gambling/problem gambling includes behaviors related to gambling such as [preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, escape, chasing, lying, illegal acts, risked relationship, and bailout]. Meeting 5 criteria is deemed pathological, 4 problematic, and 2 -3 heavy social. Now in answering this question you will have to make some interpretations and inferences based on the characters and themes talked about in this film and some information we have discussed in class about gamblers.  ***The difference between a heavy social gambler, problem gambler, and a pathological gambler reflect levels of behavior that reside on a continuum.  Thus, your answer must be defendable in that it makes sense and stands up to scrutiny with respect to understanding addiction learned during this semester. Also, offer an opinion as to whether or not Louie is at risk for becoming more than just a heavy social gambler?

3) It appears that White’s (1990, 1996) theory on “The Culture of Addiction” is reflected in both the video Swansea Love Story and the reading: The Dharma Punk.  Hence, discuss and describe how Noah Levine’s memoir and Swansea Love Story highlights and brings to life concepts presented in the “Culture of Addiction”.  Lastly, report on why these concepts are important for the addictions counselor to know with respect to counselling addicted sufferers?

4) The notion of displacement as discussed in Lance Dodes “Heart of Addiction” attempts to uncover the psychodynamics of addiction.  Describe and discuss how this approach was used with Ted – what was he displacing, why, key moments in his therapy.  Finally, discuss whether you believe this approach is effective for treating persons suffering with addiction

Section II: Value

Select one question to answer from the options below

5) In reflecting on the course as a whole… What did YOU learn about YOURSELF in regard to addiction, healing, transformation, your issues?  How might you be different AFTER THE SEMESTER CONCLUDES? Give examples? What changes do you need to continue to work on and implement – how might you do this?  IF YOU ANSWER THIS QUESTION YOU MUST GIVE EXAMPLES, BE SPECIFIC, AND YOUR LEARNINGS MUST BE IDENTIFIABLE AND RELATE DIRECTLY TO COURSE COTENT, THEORY, AND PROCESS.

6) Reflecting on Staying in Action slides… specifically – the five defense mechanisms (i.e., idealization/ devaluation, omnipotence, splitting, projection, and denial) discuss and illuminate how the latter defense mechanism relate to addicted sufferers and their behaviors… Secondly, reflecting on your life… Consider how and why YOU rely on the latter defense mechanisms…? Are you aware when you are using them?  What is the function of these defenses in your life? (If you choose to answer this question – make sure, your discussion is comprehensive).

7) In examining sex addiction…I want you to discuss the main points of sex addiction. Moreover, how is it assessed? Give some examples of what it is?  What it might not be? How you might YOU relate to the topic and looking at the course content, how might YOU work to help someone overcome their issues with this intimacy disorder.

In examining addiction this semester both from an etiological and treatment basis – what theory or theories and treatment perspectives do you find the most helpful? Explain – give examples and descriptions for both the etiology of addiction and treatment perspectives.