Blog 8: Research Reflection

What I've Learned So Far


Since I've started working on this project, something I've learned to do is better understand people that are different than me. In other words, I have been able to overcome the obvious fears that arise when volunteering at an HIV+ drug rehab center so that I am able to better observe the patients and program to answer my essential question. Being able to put all emotions aside and talking to the patients like they're just like everyone else may seem easy until you're actually put into the situation. This is something that I have overcome that I believe is crucial to answering my essential question.


I am not sure how to post evidence of this accomplishment.. but here are pictures of some of the houses I am volunteering at: 

"Gerry House" houses the HIV/AID+ drug addicts

Sober Living Home 1 is the equivalent of a "Halfway House"

Sober Living Home 2 is the continuation of the original home

What helped me the most in this situation was, obviously, my service learning. That is how I originally came into contact with the patients. The actual source that helped me the most was TheBody.com. It remains my best source for finding any and all answers I have needed throughout the course of this project. TheBody not only focuses on the medical aspect of my topic, but it contains many articles that deal with the social/cultural aspect of HIV+ Drug Rehab as well. 

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Plan Approval

For Independent Component One, I plan on completing an extra 30 hours of service learning. I am currently completing my service learning at Straight Talk under Administrator, Shelly Lummus. 


I am confident that there will be no problem for me to complete the thirty hours required for the independent component. I have been volunteering a few days a week since the beginning of September, and I have already completed a large portion of my required hours. 


Since Straight Talk is a counseling and rehab center that primarily focuses on drug addicts, I get an up-close look at what goes into treating an HIV+ drug addict in rehab. Straight Talk has two rehab "houses" dedicated to HIV+ patients, and the individuals that run these houses are more than happy to give me any information I may need if I ask. Unfortunately because I am not 18 years old, I am not able to volunteer directly at these houses. However, I still feel as though I am answering my EQ thoroughly through my Independent Component.  

Blog 6: EQ Draft One

Defining the Essential Question


1. My Essential Question is: "What is the most effective way to treat an HIV+ patient in drug rehab?"
2. Defined
    Effective: Beneficial, brings about the most change, best, useful
    Treat: Recover, counsel, help, cure (not literally, as we know HIV is incurable)
    HIV+: Person that has tested positive for the HIV virus
    Drug Rehab: Facility for addicts to be treated (OH! vocab word!) for their addictions 
3. So far, an important answer I have come across is to stress the importance that the patient openly discusses their HIV status with counselors, close friends, family, etc. to be sure they're not bottling up their emotions, which could easily lead to drug relapse. Another possible answer to my essential question would be closely monitored antiretroviral treatments. Addicts have been known to not take antiretrovirals since a combination of these and recreational drugs can be deadly. Also, it is necessary for the HIV+ patient to receive attention more suitable to their needs. These patients need different counseling than that of non-HIV+ patients, so it is important that this is received.  There are many more possible answers to my essential question, most of which I still need to further research so I have a basis for my facts. 
4. The most important source I have come across is TheBody.com. The website is focused around giving people information on HIV/AIDS, from how to avoid it to how to deal with it. Not only does the site itself supply tons of information, but they have many databases filled with different websites and organizations that deal with HIV, HIV and drug abuse, and many more. Most of my articles are directly from, or have been recommended by The Body. 

Blog 5: Second Interview Questions Approval

Service Learning Location: Straight Talk, Cypress.
Interviewee: Shelly Lummus, Administrator 


Proposed Questions:

1. What exactly is the purpose of your organization?
2. Do you think that my volunteering at your facility will help me with my research?
3. What types of tasks will you want me involved in during my volunteering?
4. Will you allow me to get a more personal look into the world of HIV+ drug rehab?
5. What are some limitations I may encounter while volunteering due to privacy laws?
6. Will you be available/willing to answer any questions I may have when it comes to the work I will be doing in the facility?
7. Is there anything else you think I should know while volunteering?
8. Is there anything that I am not allowed to do while volunteering at your facility (any rules I must follow)?

Revision: October 8, 2011

1. How did you get your interest in drug rehab/counseling?
2. What is your education background regarding rehab?
3. What made you want to pursue this a career?
4. How does your job affect you as a person?
5. Did you expect to make it as far as you have in the field? Why or why not?
6. If you didn't pursue this career, where do you think you would've ended up?
7. Do you believe that drug rehab/counseling was put in your life for a reason?
8. What are some positive and negative aspects you see your job as?
9. Any regrets on your career choice?
10. What would you consider your biggest accomplishment in the business?