Exposure To Violence Case Study Essay

The subject for Case Study 2: Reese is an 18-year-old Hispanic male who currently resides in Los Angeles, California. The subject is one of two male children who were raised in a chaotic and suspected alcoholic home. The client’s father is home only during the weekend and frequently has violent outbursts. Reese’s attitude towards the parental violence is nonchalant in nature potentially indicating that the behavior is normative. Although it appears that violence is common places in his household, it appears as if the client utilizes drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. Approximately five years ago, the client began drinking and smoking potentially as an attempt to fit into a social group. Since the client did not perform well academically, …show more content…
According to Taylor and Kliewer (2006), a direct relationship exists between violent exposure in communities and alcoholism, specifically within the inner cities. The researchers assert that there are a slew of inherent difficulties as a result of residing within an inner city. Such issues include post-traumatic stress disorder symptomology; which is caused by a consistent exposure to violence. As a result, residents often display abuse substances as a coping mechanism. Specifically, children who are exposed to violence are at an increased risk of substance abuse. The exposure to violence includes not only as a bystander, but as an individual who is actively involved in a situation as well. Although children within the inner city are at an increased risk of developing substance abuse disorders, there is one protective factor that would reduce the likelihood of addiction, and that is a loving parental environment. Alternatively, children whose parents were unavailable or hostile were more likely to consume alcohol and engage in risky behaviors. In regards to the client, residing in a sprawling metropolis such as Los Angeles could potentially contribute to his substance