Gwen Cummings Essay

The main character, Gwen Cummings, would have a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of Substance Dependence. Gwen has shown a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as shown by the following criteria, all occurring within 12-month period:
1. Tolerance, as defined by a need for markedly increased amounts of substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect
2. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects
3. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance abuse
Some examples shown in the film are when Gwen partied all night, drinking alcohol with a possibility of drug use to wake up the next morning and one of the first thing she does is open and drink a new bottle of beer. When she wakes up she states that she does not remember what they did the night before and then recalls that she has a

Gwen is not interested or concerned about the problem and there is no awareness of a need to change her behavior. She is Reveling in her use and the enjoyment that comes with it. For example she has no problem with the fact that she does not recall all the events of the previous night or the fact that there was a fire in her bedroom. Or the fact that she wakes up to drink more alcohol and has no problem being inebriated at her sister’s wedding. The treatment interventions for Gwen would be Motivational Interviewing because it would help her build motivation and commit to specific plans to engage in treatment and want to seek recovery, and to have her in a 12 step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, because it would help her engage in the treatment and provide support. To really submerse the client in process like consciousness raising, self- reevaluation, and environmental reevaluation so she can move to another stage of