Question

Brian is a 15-year old boy who has been admitted to a program for chemical dependency. He has a history of running away from home, erratic performance in school, and has been arrested twice for petty theft. In assessing Brian, the counselor should first consider which of the following before making a treatment recommendation?

a. Brian's goals in life
b. Brian's social resources
c. If Brian really needs the program
d. Brian's familial relationships and social milieu

Answer 1

The counselor assessing Brian should first consider his familial relationships and social milieu, as these factors are vital in understanding and addressing his chemical dependency and associated behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

In assessing Brian, a 15-year old boy admitted to a program for chemical dependency with a history of running away from home, erratic school performance, and arrests for petty theft, the counselor should first consider Brian's familial relationships and social milieu. Understanding his home environment and social context is crucial because family dynamics and peer influence are often key factors in adolescent behaviors and can significantly impact treatment outcomes. As shown by the research in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, family factors are closely related to substance use changes in adolescents. Additionally, assessments of social resources and goals are important, but they are generally considered after establishing the context in which the problematic behaviors are occurring.