Psychology- Addictions Intervention
Lloyd is a 23-year-old single male who chose to move to Dallas, Texas instead of going to college. He has been working as a plumber’s assistant for the last couple of years and will soon get his union membership. “Then could bid on city jobs and make a very comfortable living.”
As it is, he makes pretty good money when jobs are around. During lean times he works on cars and motorcycles on the side. He reports an active social life with his friends and all of them do some type of drug or another.
Last year Lloyd tested positive for HIV. He’s not really sure how he got it. He is always very careful about his needles “so someone must have spiked the dope.” He doesn’t want to go into it but he was really “pissed off and angry” when he got the news.
He tells you; HIV is clearly a Republican plot to wipe out the Liberal Democrats. Since he works as an independent contractor, he has no insurance. “And sure as can’t get insurance today with HIV status.” Consequently, paying for his medication that his doctor has prescribed has been sporadic at best.
He has prescriptions for AZT and protease inhibitors, but he has not been able to take them consistently because they are too expensive. “Either way you look at it I’m screwed.” Lloyd prefers to do “speedballs” when he can score those drugs.
He loves the rush and even boasts that he can get a full count (1 gram) that’s at least a ’ten hitter’ for a C note”. Most “bumpers” on the street will have to pay twice as much for half the quality.” Lloyd says he doesn’t do any other drugs but has tried them all.
Occasionally he will drink some Scotch but lately his stomach has been really giving him trouble. Sometimes it will feel like multiple stab wounds in my gut that go on for hours. It really has me scared.
He’s seen his doctor and she prescribed some Demerol? and an antacid. He’s pretty sure it’s related to his HIV. Lloyd tells you quite frankly that when he gets too bad and too sick from the AIDS, he’ll take himself out. “Hey, think of suicide from time to time. If it gets really bad?
In your response to Lloyd’s case, please answer the following questions:
Lloyd states that he “prefers to do “speedballs.” Based on your readings, please describe what a “speedball” is?
Based on the information Lloyd has given you, what would your initial assessment of him be?
What would your recommendation for treatment and medical intervention be for Lloyd based on your assessment?
Lloyd uses a number of street terms you may not be familiar with. How would you handle a client like Lloyd who uses street terms you may not recognize or understand? Why do you think Lloyd is using these terms?