Case Study #1 Sarah

Activity Title: Case Study #1, Sarah
Instructions: Please read the case study provided. After reading, apply outline concepts to the case study to complete this assignment.
Case Study: The subject is Sarah, a 29-year-old woman, African American, cisgender, bisexual. She lives in downtown Manhattan.

Background: Sarah has been experiencing difficulties with alcohol use for the past six years. Initially, she drank socially with friends, but her drinking escalated after a series of stressful life events, including losing her job and the death of a close family member. Her friends have brought this to her attention several times, as well as named their worry for her and her wellbeing. Sarah now drinks daily, often consuming a bottle of wine or more in one sitting. Drinking in larger amounts over a longer period than intended. She has struggled with cutting down and experiences strong cravings. She often drinks alone and in secrecy. When not drinking, she finds she is shaky and lashes out at loved ones. Growing up, she often saw her mom drink after her father’s several absences from the home. She often saw bottles of wine lining the counter of their kitchen. Mom would often isolate for days during these periods, leaving Sarah to care for her two younger siblings. When she was not drinking, Mom would speak little and showed little affection to Sarah and her siblings.

Outline:
● Introduction:
o Background Information: Briefly introduce the subject of the case study. This includes the key context, including primary issue and any relevant history that the reader needs to understand the case. Avoid going too deep here; focus on what’s necessary to set up your case study.

o Thesis Statement: Present the main point or argument of your paper, which is if this individual has an alcohol use disorder or not and why. This is where you outline the paper to come, including the three sections/body paragraphs.

o Overview of Structure: (Optional) In a sentence or two, briefly outline how the paper will be organized. This gives your reader a roadmap of the case study’s flow.

● Section 1: Theories of Addiction
o Theoretical Application
▪ Choose two theories of addiction
▪ Explain each theory and how it applies to the subject’s addiction.
Consider the following:

• What elements of the case align with the theory?
• How does the theory explain the development, maintenance, or progression of the addiction?
  o Analysis
  ▪ Discuss how each theory provides unique insights into the individual’s addiction.
  ▪ Identify overlaps or contrasts between the chosen theories.
  ▪ Highlight the strengths and limitations of each theory in explaining the case.
  Section 2: Risk and Protective Factors o IdentifyKeyFactors
  ▪ Social Determinants of Health: Examine broader societal influences like socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing stability, or access to social services that impact the subject’s addiction.
  ▪ Risk Factors: Describe the personal, social, and environmental factors that increased the likelihood of addiction. Examples include family history of substance abuse and mental health, trauma, peer pressure, or availability of alcohol.
  ▪ Protective Factors: Highlight the individual’s strengths or supports that could help mitigate the risk of addiction, such as positive relationships, coping skills, or access to healthcare.
  o Analyze the Interaction Between Factors
  ▪ Discuss how the risk and protective factors interact with social determinants of health to influence the subject’s addiction trajectory.
  ▪ Highlight specific examples from the case study where these elements played a role in the development or maintenance of alcohol use disorder.
  ● Conclusion
  The conclusion paragraph of a case study paper is your opportunity to wrap up the analysis and leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should not introduce new information but instead synthesize the findings and reflect on their broader implications. Here’s how you can structure your conclusion:
  o Restate the Purpose
  o Begin by briefly restating the purpose of your case study or the central
  research question. This helps remind the reader of the focus and why you conducted the analysis.
  o Summarize Key Findings
  o Provide a concise summary of the main findings or insights from the case study. Highlight the critical points you discovered, emphasizing how they influence the purpose of the paper.
  o FinalThought
  o Conclude with a strong, thoughtful ending statement

Rubric

1. Introduction (25 points)
   ● 25 points: The introduction provides a clear overview of the case, including the main problem or issue, background context, and the objective of the case study. It sets the stage for the analysis and is well-focused. Thesis statement clear.
   ● 20 points: The introduction outlines the case and its context but may lack clarity or depth in presenting the main problem or objective. Thesis statement is mostly effective.
   ● 15 points: The introduction is vague or provides limited context, making it unclear what the case study aims to address. Thesis statement is underdeveloped or unclear.
   ● 10 point: The introduction is incomplete or lacks key information such as the case’s problem or purpose. Thesis statement is ineffective.
   ● 0 points: No introduction or no relevant background provided.
2. Section 1: Theories of Addiction (40 points)
   ● 40 points: The student correctly identifies and thoroughly explains at least two relevant addiction theories (e.g., biological, psychological, sociocultural, behavioral, etc.) and how they relate to the individual with Alcohol Use Disorder. The theories are clearly explained with accurate references to their core concepts.
   ● 30 points: The student identifies and explains one or two theories but may lack depth or clarity in their explanation. The theories are mostly relevant but not fully connected to the case.
   ● 20 points: The student identifies one theory but provides a shallow or incomplete explanation. There may be minimal connection to the case.
   ● 10 points: The student mentions theories but does not explain them clearly or inaccurately relates them to the case.
   ● 0 points: No theories are identified, or they are completely irrelevant or incorrect.
3. Section 2: Risk and Protective Factors (40 points)
   ● 40 points: Comprehensive identification and discussion of multiple risk and protective factors (e.g., genetic, environmental, psychological, social) that contribute to the individual’s Alcohol Use Disorder. Each risk factor is clearly explained and supported by evidence or examples, including social determinants of health.
   ● 30 points: Clear identification of several key risk and protective factors, but some may be underexplored or lack sufficient explanation or examples, including social determinants of health.
   ● 20 points: Limited identification of risk and protective factors, with vague explanations or a lack of connection to the individual’s specific case and social determinants of health.
   ● 10 points: Few or no risk and protective factors identified, or the risk factors mentioned are not relevant to the case. Social determinants of health not adequately explored.
   ● 0 points: No risk factors are identified, or completely incorrect factors are presented.
4. Conclusion (25 points)
   ● 25 points: The conclusion effectively summarizes the key findings, reinforces the proposed solutions, and ties back to the main issue of the case study. It also suggests areas for further research or action, if appropriate.
   ● 20 points: The conclusion summarizes the main points but may be overly general or not fully tied back to the key problem.
   ● 15 points: The conclusion is weak, providing only a brief recap of the case without deeper reflection or a clear link to the earlier analysis.
   ● 10 point: The conclusion is vague or incomplete, offering no new insights or final thoughts.
   ● 5 points: The case study is disorganized and hard to understand.
5. Writing Quality and Mechanics (25 points)
   ● 25 points: The case study is free from grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Writing is clear, concise, and professional throughout.
   ● 20 points: There are a few minor grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors, but they do not significantly detract from the clarity or readability.
   ● 15 points: There are multiple grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors, which somewhat hinder readability.
   ● 10 points: Frequent errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation make the case study difficult to read or understand.
   ● 5 points: The case study is filled with errors, making it hard to follow.
   Total: __ / 150