28 Hours Ethical Issues

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Ethical/Legal Issues
28 Days exhibited numerous ethical and legal issues. Ethically, Gwen and Lily should never have grown up in a hostile environment. They grew up with their mother, who most likely also had Alcohol Use Disorder. Throughout the movie, Gwen has flashbacks of their mother stumbling, dancing and using a coffee table as a sled, as the girls almost slide right into oncoming traffic. Children who grow up with parents that have Alcohol Use Disorder are at a higher risk for drinking problems, substance abuse, emotional, behavioral and personality problems (Drapkin, Eddie, Buffington, & McCrady, 2015). Gwen falls easily into this category.
Gwen faced a number of legal issues throughout the movie. She could have been charged for driving while intoxicated, vehicle theft, destroying personal property and illegal use of prescription drugs. She was obviously intoxicated when she destroyed Lily’s cake, then she “borrowed” the limousine and wrecked it. Gwen also abused Vicodin pills while drinking and to avoid the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
There were a few questions that were not answered during the movie. Was Gwen ever charged with driving under the influence or vehicle theft? Where was …show more content…

She uses a variety of coping and defense mechanisms including: denial, rationalization, and displacement. Gwen used non-pharmalogical methods to overcome her addiction. She participated in group therapy, equine therapy, and family counseling. In some instances, physicians may prescribe medications such as benzodiazepine, anticonvulsants or disulfiram, an alcohol abuse therapy adjunct to help manage the side effects of withdrawal. Legal and ethical issues were also discussed. 28 Days is a great movie for addicts and their families to watch and help them understand the effects of addiction (Topping & Thomas, 2000). Addiction not only effects the abuser, but their family and friends,

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