Category: Alcohol

Drug prevention program is the process that devotes its efforts towards limiting the use of psychoactive substances and the development of associated problems. These efforts may be focused on a group or individuals depending on the aim of the program. Using drugs and alcohol may impair the users judgment, result into poor performance at work and school or even result to trouble with the law. Therefore a drug prevention program is heavily needed hence the purpose of coming up with this program. This drug prevention program targets the schools, families, health workers, law enforcers and youth groups (Robert and Mary 121).

This drug prevention has two approaches that are meant for both West Baltimore and Agrestic. The two approaches differ in such away that the one for West Baltimore is aimed at addressing the existing drug problems and how to either limit or abstain from the use. On the other hand, the approaches for Agrestic are aimed at addressing the intending user groups and the non users (Perkinson 225).

The goals of this program are generally aimed at limiting alcohol usage and drug problems. Alcohol use being a serious social and medical problem, this problem has directed all its efforts to combat it. However, the goals are dependent on the type of the drug problem at hand. In the case of the addicts, this program aims at providing mechanisms for abstinence while for the non users and non addicts, the program aims at providing them with ways of changing their consumption behavior and the mechanisms for stopping drug abuse (Robert and Mary 132).

In comparison with the DARE program which focuses mostly in elementary schools and youth programs, our drug prevention program targets all sorts of groups such as the youth groups, schools, families, health workers and law enforcers. Our program ensures that the parents are enlightened on their role in the prevention of alcohol and drug problems to their children, initiative programs implemented in schools and among the health workers and youth groups involved in the participation of the program activities.

Our program would actually borrow some ideas from DARE which has been successful to some extent. There involvement with the youth activities is an important strategy to us as the drug prevention task force. We will borrow their techniques of coming up with youth programs that fight drug and substance abuse (Perkinson 232).

Our program will focus on the youths at risk of usage and addiction. Therefore the program will be modified to perform the following activities;

• Indicate and tell genuine apprehension for the addicts
• Confront the victims behavior and not their values
• Enlighten the at risk groups on the real facts of drug abuse
• Be supportive and available for consultations
• Convince the at risk youths to understand the positive effects of the program

This drug prevention program will incorporate families in various ways in its undertakings. First it will encourage individual counseling of the victims and the target groups with the counselor, medications prescribed by our experts for the target groups and families to stay drug free and detoxication where there is a complete detox setting within the vicinity of the target group such as the treatment facilities and medical hospitals for substance users.

In patient treatment is another way of incorporating the target groups and families in this drug prevention program, this is because it will involve both the treatment groups and individual therapy. Another most significant way of incorporating families in the program is by implementing family help and intervention among the target groups as well as self help recovery groups (Robert and Mary 145).

In summary, the program will address the unique needs of the addicts with con-occurring disabilities in various ways. Services will be taken to there door steps and leaders of the programs will be appointed from among them to ensure all their interests are attended to. The program will encourage full participation of all races and minority groups in order to make full coverage of the target groups (Perkinson 245).

Works Cited

Perkinson, Robert. Understanding Chemical Dependency. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print

Robert, McAuliffe and Mary Boesen. Essentials of Chemical Dependency. London: Springer, 2007. Print

Substance and alcohol misuse among adolescents is a considerable bother for the US healthcare system. Since adolescence is commonly known as a time for experimentation, substance use disorder (SUB) and alcohol abuse are often rooted in the period (Beaton, Shubkin, & Chapman, 2016). In order to address the problem, I will screen for alcohol misuse and SUB whenever there is a sign of concern from the parents in symptoms in the patient. Even though US Preventative Service Task Force is cautious about recommending systematic screening due to the lack of evidence, other organizations, such as Academy of Pediatrics, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommend such measures (McCarty, Levy, & Harris, 2019).

As for elder mistreatment and neglect, a care provider is obliged to report to the authorities of the clinic for them to contact National Center on Elder Abuse, National Adult Protective Services Association, or other related services (National Institute on Aging, 2016). The common signs of abuse are having trouble sleeping, depression, loss of weight, signs of trauma, messy appearance, and agitation (National Institute on Aging, 2016). In case of observation of such signs, a care provider should follow the procedure for reporting domestic violence of the clinic. A care provider can also provide contacts of services that can help with the matter to the patient.

References

Beaton, A., Shubkin, C. D., & Chapman, S. (2016). Addressing substance misuse in adolescents. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 28(2), 258265. Web.

McCarty, C. A., Levy, S., & Harris, S. K. (2019). Alcohol use screening and behavioral counseling with adolescents in primary care: a call to action. JAMA pediatrics, 173(1), 12-14.

National Institute on Aging. (2016). Elder abuse. Web.

Introduction

Alcoholics suffer from a distinct physical yearning to take alcohol past their capability to manage it, irrespective of every law of common sense. Despite having a vast desire for alcohol, alcoholics often give in to that yearning at the worst probable instances. Alcoholism is generally detrimental to the alcoholics personal affiliations, social status, and health and is proliferated by the inadequate reaction and reception by human service agencies.

Medically, alcoholism believed to be an addictive disease. The American Medical Association (AMA) maintains a dual categorization of alcoholism to comprise physical as well as mental constituents. This research paper discusses what human services must be present to assist alcoholics and overcome the existing barriers.

Barriers to human services

Alcoholics have an obsession to alcohol and have no control of how much they drink, even when it is bringing serious troubles at home, at the workplace, and financially. Sensible consumption of alcohol will not normally lead to any physical or mental harm.

In accordance with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 15 per cent of people in the United States of America can be termed as problem drinkers; between 5 per cent to 10 per cent of male and 3 per cent to 5 per cent of female alcohol consumers may be considered alcohol reliant. A research in the United States estimated that around 30 per cent of Americans state having an alcohol problem at some point in their existence. Over two million elderly American alcoholics are struggling with alcoholism and its allied health and social concerns. This number is anticipated to go beyond five million by the year 2020.

Discovering alcoholism is hard owing to the social stigma connected with the illness that makes alcoholics shun identification and treatment due to the underlying fear of disgrace or social effects from the society. The assessment response to a collection of uniform questioning is a general way of alcoholism diagnosis, which could be employed to spot detrimental alcohol consumption patterns (Cooper, 2012, pp. 173-174).

Generally, problem drinking could be deemed alcoholism if the individual maintains consumption regardless of encountering fitness or social problems brought about by alcohol consumption (Bühler, & Bardeleben, 2008, pp. 468-473). Even though the capability of human services to discover alcoholics continues to be a great barrier, it does not denote the original cause of barriers to handling of the problem. Some of other barriers that obstruct effective human services include the following.

1. Myths- emerging informational myths have a wide scope of coverage; for instance, many individuals do not comprehend that alcohol has attributes like any other drug. In this regard, a number of people have the conviction that taking beer is not what causes alcoholism. Instead, they believe that alcoholism is caused by taking whiskey and strong drinks. Such myths require extensive clarification by human services to be able to assist alcoholics adequately (Googins, 1984).
2. Nihilism regarding therapy- this aspect concerns the beliefs by human service agencies of minimal possibility of effectively treating alcoholics.
3. Denial- existing denial by most human service agencies regarding high prevalence of alcoholic problems works against increased response to aid
4. Cause versus symptoms- though classified as a disease, the treatment advance of alcoholism treats it like a symptom thus failing to address the actuality of the drugged situation
5. Referral to professional human service agencies- this acts to promote the alcoholics in denying their problem
6. Fear of confrontation- to provide treatment to alcoholics effectively, confrontation is necessary to triumph over the strong rejection and excuse scheme existing in the disease. The fear by human service workers to confront alcoholics makes the alcoholics to go unchallenged and thus maintain abnormal drinking patterns (Cooper, 2012, pp. 173-174).

Since alcoholism exists not just as a personal problem but a problem of the entire community, human service agencies should make maximum use of informal networks whenever required. Having triumph over the existing barriers demands careful evaluation by agencies as well as initiation of proper measures.

Human services to help alcoholics

There exists treatment for alcoholism and numerous treatment plans and advances are given by human services to help alcoholics that have chosen to seek for assistance. Alcoholics that are forced into seeking treatment or compelled to quit by situations seldom win in the long-term. The following are some human services given to combat alcoholism (Cooper, 2012, pp. 174-175).

Rehabilitation

The progression of alcoholic detoxification lasts for about three days to a week from where the reliance on alcohol by the alcoholic is mainly mental, instead of chemical or even physical. The aim of detoxification is to avoid a relapse of too much drinking. In the US, human service facilities provide alcohol rehabilitation services with the aim of assisting the alcoholics to know the way to stay sober and oppose the drinking urge (Cooper, 2012, pp. 176-178).

Education forms the basic constituent of every rehabilitation program. It could differ from one facility to another, but normally the procedure is intended at getting the alcoholics to consider their addiction sincerely and sensibly, and alter ones approach concerning his or her alcohol use. Treatment plans are incorporated in rehabilitation centers to assist in getting alcoholics to adapt a sober way of life.

Counseling

In helping the alcoholics, human service agents also provide personal counseling that is given by a professional addictions counselor. Counseling sessions are devised to edify alcoholics on the skillfulness that they will require to survive in life without alcohol. In counseling, the alcoholics also are taught on the way to identify conditions in which they are most probable to drink and the way to evade these conditions as much as possible (Cooper, 2012, pp. 179-185). There are many programs offered in counseling that include Employee Assistance Programs (at work places) and Outpatient Counseling Programs (in societies). To guarantee competency of counselors, most states now offer education in addition to credentialing values.

Treatment

Even if there is so far no magical pill for curing alcoholism, there exists different medications given by human service agencies in bid to assist alcoholics stop excessive drinking or completely stop drinking (Kornreich, et al, 2011, pp. 951-959). The existing variety of ways to treat alcoholics may include the following.

• Benzodiazepines- usually recommended to alcoholics for restlessness or anxiety control
• Calcium carbimide -works in a similar manner as disulfiram
• Disulfiram  this medicine stops the removal of acetaldehyde that is produced by the body when processing ethanol. Acetaldehyde causes the hangover indications from alcohol consumption
• Naltrexone- employed to reduce yearnings for alcohol and promote abstinence.
• Rehabilitation- medication as well as counseling is used in rehabilitation centers to assist alcoholics stop alcohol consumption (Thomas, Bacon, Randall, Brady, & See, 2011, pp. 19-28)

Conclusion

Reasonable consumption of alcohol will not usually lead to any physical or mental impairment. Alcoholics are individuals who take part in alcoholism and suffer from a distinct physical longing to take alcohol past their capacity to manage it, irrespective of every decree of common sense. Alcoholism can accordingly be portrayed as a physical force, alongside a psychological passion. Alcoholism is generally harmful to the personal affiliations, social status, and health of alcoholics.

Alcoholics have no control of how much alcohol they drink, even when it is bringing severe troubles financially, at home, and at the place of work (Macfarlane, & Tuffin, 2010, pp. 46-55). There are numerous health and psychological problems associated with alcoholism. There are different barriers to human services that hinder giving assistance to alcoholics. Nevertheless, numerous human services have been designed to help alcoholics to either stop excessive drinking or completely stop taking alcohol. These human services include counseling, rehabilitation, and treatment.

Reference List

Bühler, K., Bardeleben, H. (2008). Heuristic cluster analysis of alcoholics according to biographic and personality features. Addiction Research & Theory, 16(5), 453-473.

Cooper, L. (2012). Combined Motivational Interviewing and CognitiveBehavioral Therapy with Older Adult Drug and Alcohol Abusers. Health & social work, 37(3), 173-185.

Googins, B. (1984). Avoidance of the alcoholic client. Social Work, 29(2), 161-166.

Kornreich, C., Delle-Vigne, D., Knittel, J., Nerincx, A., Campanella, S., Noel, X., Hanak, C., Verbanck, P., & Ermer, E. (2011). Impaired conditional reasoning in alcoholics: a negative impact on social interactions and risky behaviors? Addiction, 106(5), 951-959.

Macfarlane, A., & Tuffin, K. (2010). Constructing the Drinker in Talk about Alcoholics. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 39(3), 46-55.

Thomas, S., Bacon, A., Randall, P., Brady, K., & See, R. (2011). An acute psychosocial stressor increases drinking in non-treatment-seeking alcoholics. Psychopharmacology, 218(1), 19-28.

Drug abuse is one of the greatest problems affecting the world today. Many countries have had to deal with so many problems that come with the use of harmful drugs. Some of the commonly abused drugs include alcohol, cocaine, bhang, and hero (Higgins, 2007). Apart from these, pharmaceutical drugs have also been abused. The number of companies that make these drugs is also increasing at an alarming rate, with each doing its best to have the most customers through advertisements. Given the fact that they are readily available in chemists, people do not seek the services of medical practitioners. They instead-but buy them over the counter any time they need them, something that could lead to wrong prescription (Higgins, 2007).

People take drugs because of several reasons. The most common one is peer pressure, especially among the youth (Lyman, 2010). Many young people will influence others to get into the act while others do it out of curiosity because they have seen their peers do it. Others might just have heard stories about how it feels and decide to go on and adopt the behavior. The other cause of drug-taking is depression. Day-to-day life is filled with many challenges, which if one is not able to deal with properly can result in depression. To do away with it or rather to forget about it, many people indulge in drug abuse (Lyman, 2010).

The economic crises facing most countries today could be a major cause of drug abuse. Young people want to get a good education, but lack of money limits them from satisfying their education needs. Even those who are lucky to get a college education either lack jobs or end up getting jobs that cannot sustain them in the current global economic crises. Many of them result in abusing drugs, either to forget it or to kill time (Lyman, 2010).

People have developed serious health complications, lost their loved ones, lost their lives, children have been left orphaned, and nations have lost a huge number of human resources (Higgins, 2007). Several actions can be taken to curb the situation. First, those addicted to drugs should be given specific pharmaceutical drugs to counteract the effect. This is because once addicted, the body is normally filled with the addictive substance that keeps asking a person to take more and more of the drugs. An example is the nicotine substance found in tobacco. Such substances can be medically eliminated from the body to control its addiction (Isralowitz, 2002). These services can easily be obtained from hospitals as well as, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers.

Rehabilitation centers have been the best institutions in transforming the lives of drug addicts. There, they are projected to a systematic system of overcoming dependence on drugs (Higgins, 2007). Many of the victims of the habit end up dropping out of college and as a result, their education comes to a sudden stop. Developing a college program in those rehabilitation centers is the best thing that can be done to such people.

As they are helped to overcome drug abuse, they will in turn be able to continue with their college education. Different courses have to be offered to take care of the interests of the drug addicts. They must, by the rule of the institution take a course in the management of drugs. By the end of it all, they come out as changed and responsible people, equipped with careers ready to serve the community (Isralowitz, 2002).

Reference List

Higgins, S. T., Silverman, K., & Heil, S. H. (2007). Contingency management in substance abuse treatment. New York: Guilford Press.

Isralowitz, R., & ebrary, Inc. (2002). Drug use, policy, and management. Westport, Conn: Auburn House.

Lyman, M. D. (2010). Drugs in Society: Causes, Concepts and Control. Cincinnati: Anderson Publishing.

Introduction

Alcohol dependence is a wide and diverse topic that needs to be well evaluated and understood for sustainability (Inaba and Cohen, 2007, p. 7). This is because it relates to a lot of issues that are relevant in our society. Alcohol dependence can also be described and termed as psychiatric dependence. In this case, it should be understood that psychiatric dependence can be manifested through various aspects and issues.

This means that an individual can continue using alcohol as time goes by. Such individuals will continue using alcohol even though they have some notable symptoms of a specific and given dysfunction (Widiger, 2003, p. 12). In a broad perspective, they might also display an aspect of physical alcohol dependence. In extreme cases, there are occasions where alcohol dependence is shown in hardship-related issues in life.

Discussion

It should be known that alcohol dependence must display some specific aspects and characteristics over a given period. In our case, it is over 12 months (Widiger, 2003, p. 10). As far as the DSM-IV criterion is concerned, one must manifest a wide range of characteristics to be termed as an alcohol-dependent individual. Such individuals can have tolerance and some symptoms of withdrawal.

Another characteristic of alcohol-dependent people is that they use the drug over a long period. In this case, they use it in large amounts that have not been witnessed before (Inaba and Cohen, 2007, p. 15). Others will tend to have a long desire to use drugs. This means that they have been unsuccessful in a bid to reduce their intake of drugs as time goes by. Another notable characteristic and criterion are that such individuals will always spend most of their time on alcohol.

They spend most of their time obtaining alcohol. On the other hand, they also spend their time recovering from the bad effects of alcohol. An alcohol-dependent person will likely give up his/her social pursuits as time goes by. It should be known that recreational and professional activities might also be given up in favor of alcohol (Widiger, 2003, p. 17). This means that they will always feel happy when they are taking alcohol than when they are busy with their work.

Most people who are alcohol dependent know the effects of what they are doing but they dont shy away from taking it. This means that they are not ignorant as far as the harm of abusing alcohol is concerned (Inaba and Cohen, 2007, p. 21). There has been an argument that there are some environmental and hereditary factors that revolve around addiction. As much as the hereditary aspect has not been fully proved, an individuals environment can immensely contribute to alcohol addiction.

There is a neurochemistry aspect behind alcohol addiction. For somebody to shy away from the addiction to alcohol, they are supposed to get some information on drug psychology (Widiger, 2003, p. 23). Therefore, counselors are supposed to get information about the individual from all perspectives. This is because drugs work constantly and various metrics need to be understood for sustainability.

Conclusion

It should be known that some researchers have always argued that there is a very big relationship between addiction and genetics. This means that there should be a good approach to compulsive behaviors and the causes of addiction. Various tests can be done on an individual to tell if they have been abusing alcohol.

This can also be used to gauge an individuals dependence on alcohol. It should be known that patients might have different problems and symptoms that relate to drinking and dependence on alcohol. As a matter of fact, alcohol abuse can be differentiated from alcohol dependence. This can be done by looking at various symptoms like withdrawal and tolerance.

Reference list

Inaba, D. S., & Cohen, W. E. (2007). Uppers, downers, all arounders: Physical and mental effects of psychoactive drugs. Ashland, Ore: CNS Publications, Inc.

Widiger, A, T. (2003). Handbook of Psychology: Clinical psychology. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Summary

The book Alcoholics Anonymous gives a detailed analysis of the health challenges and decisions made by Bill Wilson. The narrator struggled with alcoholism for many years. In the beginning, the narrator was not ready to partner with different believers. According to the text, when people talked of a God personal to Wilson, who was love, superhuman strength, and direction, he became irritated, and his mind snapped shut against such a theory (A.A. World Services Incorporation, 2001, p. 10). The book goes further to describe how a higher power can support more people in order to achieve their health goals.

Alcoholism results in selfishness. This malpractice makes it impossible for many addicts to support their children. According to the author, humanity is the source of all troubles experienced in the world today. Such predicaments arise from human actions. The alcoholic is an example of a self-will-run riot, though he usually does not think so (A.A. World Services Incorporation, 2001, p. 62). This situation explains why alcoholics should not be selfish. Members of the society should guide these addicts in order to overcome their adversities.

The book also highlights the challenges encountered by many people. Many alcoholics cannot live without beer. The insanity of alcohol returns, thus forcing the targeted individuals to drink (A.A. World Services Incorporation, 2001). The book goes further to highlight 12 powerful steps that can support many alcoholics. Some virtues, such as courage and faithfulness, are presented in the book. People should focus on Gods teachings in order to overcome every form of addiction. Faith is something that can make it easier for many people to achieve their objectives. God is the solution to the challenges and problems affecting humanity.

The book also offers 12 steps that can support a persons health recovery process. These steps guide people to focus on their future goals. The guidelines encourage people to come closer to God. The 12 steps can make it easier for addicts to share their experiences and problems. Friends can support one another in order to overcome specific problems such as alcoholism. The support is an important thing for alcoholics to embrace their challenges. They should also undertake the relevant steps in order to improve their spiritual experiences (A.A. World Services Incorporation, 2001).

The society should treat these alcoholics as sick people. The book explains why members of society should handle these addicts with delicate care. Such individuals should be guided and supported in order to overcome their problems. Alcoholics can also collaborate with different professionals in order to achieve their health goals. Different treatment procedures have the potential to support the needs of many alcoholics (A.A. World Services Incorporation, 2001).

According to the text, the concept of fellowship will support those who are struggling with alcoholism (A.A. World Services Incorporation, 2001). The affected individuals should focus on the best goals. They should start with cleaning up old scrapes, helping to settle family differences, explaining the disinherited son to his irate parents, lending money, and securing a job for each other (A.A. World Services Incorporation, 2001, p. 161). These practices will guide and support many clients.

New Insights and Concepts that Can Help Future Clients

People should use the concepts highlighted in this book in order to achieve their potentials. This practice will make it easier for them to overcome their health challenges. The 12 steps described in the book will encourage many people to start over again (Flores & Carruth, 2013, p. 73). Every targeted client should be honest with his or her past. Such individuals should also share their experiences with different friends. They should also ask for forgiveness. Members of the society should also help these clients without prestige. Alcoholics are to pray continuously in order to get Gods guidance. These practices will make it easier for many addicts to recover within a few weeks.

According to the author, addicts should begin by welcoming God in their hearts. This acceptance will help them to admit their problems. They will be ready to make the necessary amendments. Every person should embrace a powerful path toward recovery. Every patient should focus on his or her spiritual transformation (Flores & Carruth, 2013, p. 63). This kind of transformation will ensure more people become sober and happy. The targeted clients should put God first in their activities (Obembe, 2012). This model will work effectively for every person struggling with addiction.

Clients with various addictions can talk to people facing similar problems. The power of fellowship will encourage targeted clients to share their misfortunes. They will also understand that it can work effectively. Such clients will also embrace powerful values that can transform their lives. Psychologists and caregivers should encourage their patients to promote certain virtues such as hope, love, serenity, and kindness (Obembe, 2012). These virtues will encourage them to form new relationships. The targeted clients will eventually have better lives. People should, therefore, read this book in order to tackle the problems affecting them. I am, therefore, recommending this text to different alcoholics and addicts.

Reference List

A.A. World Services Incorporation. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous. New York, NY: The A.A. Grapevine Incorporation. Web.

Flores, P., & Carruth, B. (2013). Group Psychotherapy with Addicted Populations. New York, NY: Routledge. Web.

Obembe, S. (2012). Practical Skills and Clinical Management of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction. London: Elsevier Incorporation. Web.

Alcoholic Anonymous is an association of different people recuperating from alcoholism who come together to contribute their experiences about alcoholism and its effects. The organization aims to encourage more people to stop taking alcohol and help alcoholic addicts to overcome their situation. Alcoholic Anonymous is an international organization formed in 1935 in Akron with its branches all over the world. Two partners, William Griffith Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith, teamed up together and formed Alcoholic Anonymous. The association aims at helping other alcoholic addicts achieve sobriety. This paper will extensively discuss the formation of Alcoholic Anonymous.

Alcoholic Anonymous does not endorse or oppose any cause (Dick, 2011). The association assists individuals who have trouble with taking alcohol and worry about their drinking habits. The association also support alcoholic addicts together with individuals who get into unpleasant or dangerous situations and assist them improve. Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith together with his co-founder William Griffith Wilson began assisting other addicts to recover from alcoholism. The association is of support to many people by assisting them recover from alcoholism (Brown & Brown, 2013).The founders stated that there is no membership fee required to join the organization (Dick, 2011). In addition, the founders clarify that a requirement for membership is desire to stop drinking since the association is self-supporting through its contributions.

With the common aim of the founders, Alcoholic Anonymous is an association that incorporates alcoholic addicts. These characters come together to exchange ideas regarding their predicament. They also share their experiences and encourage each other to recuperate from alcoholism. In addition, members assist each other as they solve their problems (Abadinsky, 2013). The traditions of the group recommend that members and the group together with its activities should remain anonymous (Borden, 2014). The association also prevents its members from joining any affiliate organization or engage in its activities. Alcoholic Anonymous main objective is to help alcoholic individuals to achieve and maintain sobriety. The association receives acknowledgment for assisting addicts to change their way of living.

The association has two different kinds of meetings, speaker meetings and meetings for general discussions. During general meetings, members tell their stories and sources of stressors (Borden, 2014). Together with other members, William Griffith Wilson wrote a book that suggested a twelve-step program in which members admitted that the power of alcoholism was beyond their control. In addition, the book also indicated that alcoholic addicts necessitated moral intervention to recover from alcoholism (Abadinsky, 2013). Another aim of the book is to promote the fellowship of Alcoholic Anonymous together with the objectives. The organization elects their officials through a simple majority vote. Alcoholic Anonymous is a self-supporting association, relying on voluntary donations from members to cover expenses. The association hires external professionals for services that require special expertise (Brown & Brown, 2013). Through this custom, members attain additional assistance from the professionals.

In conclusion, the association advocates to assists its members to recover from alcoholism. The group hires professionals from different sectors to assist its registered members with overcoming alcoholism. Through its campaigns, the association has positively influenced living style of addicts. Group membership campaigns majorly against alcoholism as well as helping its members to recover from being alcoholic addicts. The group target to have more members since its membership is free. Most of the association members believe alcoholism needed moral intervention to enable addict recuperate from the syndrome. The association however does not consider alcoholism a disease except an illness.

References

Abadinsky, H. (2013). Drug Use and Abuse: A Comprehensive Introduction. Belmont: Cengage Learning.

Borden, A. (2014). The History of Gay People in Alcoholics Anonymous: From the Beginning. New York: Routledge.

Brown, S. & Brown, D. A Biography of Mrs Marty Mann: The First Lady of Alcoholics Anonymous. Minnesota: Hazelden Publishing.

Dick, B. (2011). The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous. Maui: First Edition Design Publishers.

Introduction

Alcohol dehydrogenases are a combination of enzymes which normally include several different types of such enzymes. For this family of enzymes the difference is caused due to their molecular structure. The difference in molecular structure makes them more efficient than others. These enzymes usually occur in various organisms in both animal and human bodies.The alcohol dehydrogenase usually acts as an alcohol breaker so as to enable proper digestion of alcohol by the body organs. There is a theory of evolution on this type of protein, where it is believed to have originated from formaldehyde dehydrogenase.

In 9137 the first alcohol dehiydrogenase was isolated from the bakers yeast and also its amino acid format and structure in dimension was also determined in the same year. This enzyme occurred due to the duplication of the main enzyme that is, ADH3 to ADHs.

A description of where the protein is found

There are five classes of alcohol dehydrogenase that are found in human beings, but the most profound one is the hepatic enzyme. The liver and the stomach is the most significant organ where these proteins are found. In this paper I am going to discuss more on alcohol dehydrogenase in the stomach. The main function of this enzyme is to oxidize ethanol in order to convert it into acetaldehyde.

Most of the alcohol dehydrogenases proteins are found in the chromosomes, where they metabolize various substances, including aliphatic alcohols, ethanol and retinol. It is necessary to note that these alcohols have a low boiling point and are always soluble in water.

Another thing to note is that, there are cofactors which are important in the oxidation process of alcohol in order to form a chain of hydrocarbons and thiols.There is also an amino acid cystein, which combines with the other groups of enzymes to help in the oxidation process of the alcohol. When units of amino acids come together they enable the protein to fold among each other, hence generating a disulphide bond.

The function of the protein in the organism

This protein belongs to a family of proteins which have aidehyde dehydrogenase properties; there are two main liver isoforms in this enzyme, which are mitochondrial and cytosolic. Eletrophoteric mobilities, kinetic energy and subcellular localization usually distinguish the properties of these two enzymes.

Alcohol is broken into acetaldehyde, and hence acetic acid radicals are finally formed, this occurs incase one consumes alcohol or eats foods containing alcohol. Through chemical reactions acetic radical mixes with coenzyme -A so as to form acetyl-CoA, which eventually goes to the Krebs cycle. Acetic acid, is then converted into acetyl-CoA by the enzyme ACSS2, which is found in the chromosomes. In order for this reaction to take place, the protein must act as a monomer, which then produces acetyl-CoA. Mitochondrial isozyme gene engulfs the mitochondrial isoform which is limited in Km for ethanol and is hence stationed in the mitochondrial matrix. The following chemical process shows how the ethanol is converted into acetaldehyde:

CH₃CH₂OH + NAD⁺ ’ CH₃CHO + NADH + H⁺

The most important thing this enzyme does is to break down the alcohol, which is contained in foods consumed by humans. It also enhances the consumption of alcohol. It is important to note that this protein takes part in the breakdown of other substances, such as ethyl glycol and methanol, which is oxidized to form formaldehyde and the former into glycolic acids.

Alcohol dehydrogenase works differently in many people according to their age, gender and the environment they are in; for example it is more efficient in young men compared to women of the same age group. There is another form of the dehydrogenase, which is the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is described as a polymorphic enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for conversion of aldehydes into carboxylic acid through the process of oxidation.

The other form of alcohol dehydrogenase is the catalase proteins which further helps in breaking down of alcohol and through this process, hydrogen is formed. After the production of the hydrogen it is finally transformed into water, by the hydrogen molecules in the body.Catalase is profound in the brain, since it converts alcohol into water, although it is usually all over the body.

Alcohol dehydrogenase is usually efficient in cyclic and secondary alcohols but poorly in primary alcohols. It transfers hydride which is normally in the form of alkoxide ion into NAD⁺, which is later converted into NADH and Keton.This enzyme is a component of two zinc atoms, one which is the ligands and the other is the active one.

In bacteria and yeast this enzyme usually performs the work of fermentation, where pyruvate is transformed into acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide, hence being converted in to alcohol by ADH1, this normally the regeneration of NAD⁺.

There is also another family of these enzymes which usually contain iron in their bodies, these types of enzymes normally occur in bacteria. These enzymes mainly work with the help of oxygen molecules.

Properties of the protein

The table below shows some of the properties of this enzyme:

Cell lysis

Cell lysis is normally the disruption of the cell in order to get its contents. Some researchers usually lower the ionic strength of the cell so as to enable the cell to swell and then eventually bursting it¹². Some cells may pose some difficulties in the disruption process and it is important to put a surfactant in order to disassociate the components in the cells. There are different methods used to do this and they are as listed below:

1. Nitrogen burst method
2. Mechanical homogenizer
3. Ultra sound method with a probe

Where cells pose such difficulties in disruption the hypotonic method is normally used. Algae, yeast and bacteria are good examples of cells which have such characteristics. For these cells, it is usually difficult to disrupt such cells due to the presence of cell walls¹³. The stronger methods of cell lysis are as follows:

1. Enzymatic method; this method is usually used in cells involving subcellular isolation where there is preparation of protoplasts. Where this method is largely used it is usually expensive and irreproducible.
2. Bead method; this is the application of ultra sound on cells. This method generates radicals which normally react with molecules and hence making it disadvantageous.
3. Detergent method; this method is usually used to disturb lipids; it is good to determine the cell source type and the downstream application in order to choose this method.
4. Solvent use; this method is basically used for pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria cells. The use of this method usually denatures the cells.
5. Valve type processors; this method mostly forces the cell through a narrow valve with extreme pressure; these forces pull the cell apart, thus disrupting it.

After cell disruption, the cell is ready for centrifugation, this is a process which consists of a well refrigerated chamber which has a rotor that rotates at very high speeds approximately 100,000 r.p.m. In this chamber samples are placed in small cylindrical tubes and then placed to a rotating rotor. At these high speeds the rotor creates forces of around 800,000g to 1, 000,000g.Non uniform distribution of molecules is normally formed due to these speeds, but consequently sedimentation of molecules occurs too. Sedimentation of these molecules depends mostly on partial specific weight, shape and size of the molecules. Furthermore sedimentation of the molecules is dependent on the speed of the rotor and its size.

Purification protocol

This process of purification is done in order to separate the protein from other cells; this process starts with cell lysis in which the cell is disturbed and its components drawn to crude lysate solution. There after purification starts, through a method called ultracentrifugation. Purification process helps in breaking down protein cells into small and soluble components. Good examples of such soluble proteins are membrane lipids, cellular organelle and nucleic acid. Chromatography method is used to separate the proteins where the affinity of the molecule, its weight and the net charge are taken into consideration. Gel electrophoresis usually is used to monitor the process of purification where the isoelectric points and the molecular mass have been determined. More over, where the protein has a specific spectroscopic features one is in liberty to use spectroscopy, enzyme assays can also be used incase the protein has enzymatic activity.

In regard to the purification of natural proteins to be used for laboratory applications spontaneous steps of purification should be taken. Chemicals are added to the proteins while using genetic engineering procedure in order to make these kinds of proteins become easier to purify, and hence not disorganizing their physical structure and activity. After this process, a hestidine tag which consists of accurate amino acid sequence is used on the terminal of the protein. This outcome causes lysate to cross over the chromatography column, where nickel was earlier applied, but for the untagged specimens of lysate passes unnoticed.

Assay and estimation of purity

This assay is based on the absorbance shift of the dye coomassie, which occurs if the earlier red form coomassie reagent turns into blue, this happens due to the binding of the protein. Free electrons are donated to the ionized proteins blue part of the coomassie, hence causing the disturbance of the proteins and in this case the hydrophobic pockets are exposed. After the procedure is completed there is a non covalent attachment of the protein pockets to negative part of the dye, moreover the positive amine groups are coupled to the positive side of the dye. When the two interact in an ionic way they strengthen the bond. This self attachment of the proteins keeps the blue form of coomassie dye intact.

The absorption spectrum of the bond is 595nm.The chemicals in the protein cell usually make this procedure to be prone to interference. SDS usually causes assay interference in some detergents where there is high concentration. This is normally in two different modes of different concentrations. A good example of this is where an amicable binding occurs in an SDS below critical micelle concentration; this mostly protects the proteins from attaching themselves on other unwanted sites. Incases where the concentration is high above the normal critical micelle concentration the binding of the detergent usually occurs in the green part of the coomassie dye. This activity eventually causes a shift in equilibrium.

Conclusion

It is important to note that with the above procedure and experiment, I have been able to extract the protein and the properties of the protein have been well analyzed and proven. In this paper I have discussed the importance of alcocohol dehydrogenase in the orgasms and also its functions in the oxidation of alcohol.

This experiment concludes that alcohol dehydrogenase changes due to the overall number of amino acids present in the body but since the protein appears in all parts of the body it does not alter all its functions.Also sulphur is another element in the oxidation process.

References

Billinger, A. Gastric alcohol dehydrogenase activity in man: Alcohol and Alcoholism, Oxford University press, Oxford, 2002.

Bradford, M. A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of microgram quantities of protein: Utilizing the Principle of Protein-Dye Binding, Oxford University Press, New York, 2006

Danielsson, O. Enzymogenesis: classical liver alcohol dehydrogenase origin from the glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase line, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A Journal. New Jersey, 2002, 89 (19): 924751 1409630.

Edenberg, H. Alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase genotypes and alcoholism in Chinese men, American Journal, Chicago, 2001, 48 (4): 67781 PMID 2014795.

Grekin, K. The development of alcohol use disorders: Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Oxford University Press, New York, 2005.

Harper, R F. Illustrated Biochemistry, Oxford University Press, New York: 2006.

Hellgren, M. Enzymatic studies of alcohol dehydrogenase by a combination of in vitro and in silico methods, Ph.D. thesis, Sweden: Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 2009, p. 70.

Holde, V. Biochemistry, Effects of H2-receptor antagonists on gastric alcohol dehydrogenase activity: Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Harvard University Press, New York 2003, 36 (12): 16731679.

Kostof, S. Effects of H2-receptor antagonists on gastric alcohol dehydrogenase activity: Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, New York, 2005, p. 35.

Lehninger, R. Principles of Biochemistry, San Francisco Institute, San Francisco, 2005, pp. 180.

Minteer, SD. Microchip-based ethanol/oxygen biofuel cell: Lab on a Chip, Chicago University Press, Chicago, 2005, p.21825.

Molander, T. Ethanol absorption across human skin: Microdialysis Technique, San Francisco Institute, San Francisco, 2000.

Pastino, G. an Official Journal of the Society of Toxicology: Toxicological Sciences, Chicago University Press, Chicago, 2004.

Pozzato, C. The role of decreased gastric alcohol dehydrogenase activity and first-pass metabolism: High blood Alcohol Levels in Women. New England Journal of Medicine, London, 2006, 11; 322(2):95-9.

Shimokata, K. Mitochondrial ALDH2 deficiency: Oxidative Stress, Oxford University Press. New York, 2004.

Theorell, H. Mechanism of action of liver: Alcohol Dehydrogenase, Harvard University Press, New York, 2007.

Tooze, C. Introduction to Protein Structure, Garland Pub, New York 2009.

Introduction

Teenage drinking has increased recently and has brought about a great concern in the society. The average age in which boys start consumption of alcohol is 11 years while for girls is 13 years. Teenage drinking is caused by peer influence, depression due to problems in the family, promotions in the media which influence alcohol taking by the youth either directly or indirectly, easy availability and affordability of alcohol to the teenagers. Due to increased involvement in alcohol taking by the teenagers, they get involved in many social evils.

Body

I am against teenagers taking alcohol due to the following reasons.

Effect of alcohol on teenagers health

Alcohol has adverse effects in the brain cells among the teenagers as it results in permanent brain damage. Teenagers are at an active growth phase in human cycle and due to this their brain cells are still growing and tender. When they take alcohol, the alcohol molecule destroys these brain cells and the effect may become permanent. Teenagers who take alcohol perform poorly in school compared to others who dont take alcohol because alcohol reduces the reasoning capacity.Alcohol also affects the capacity to remember many things by those who take it because it lowers the memory and this makes it difficult for these teenagers in their examination as they are likely to perform poorly in school. (Alan R Lang 2000)

Alcohol, when taken in large quantity, has an effect of destroying vital organs in the body such as the kidney, heart and the liver. Teenagers organs are still in growth phase and due to this alcohol destroys their cells and may cause fatal conditions such as liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, heart attack and diabetes.Overconsumption of alcohol may overwhelm the livers function of breaking the alcohol molecules and might lead to death due to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol result in loss of vision and impaired reflex system and these conditions might be fatal as time goes by. (Alan R Lang 2000)

Teenage drinking in relation to spending money and the economy

According to the journal on epidemiology and community health (2007), Teen binge drinkers are significantly more likely to be heavy drinkers as adults and find themselves with string of criminal convictions. To sustain drinking of alcohol, one needs to have money.

Teenagers depend on their parents for money and so they use this pocket money for taking alcohol. When they deplete this money, they may end up in getting involved in criminal activities such as stealing and robbery and this may lead to prosecution. When they get used to criminal activity, they continue with this behavior even when they become adults. Some may decide to engage in prostitution and this may result in diseases such as HIV/AIDS. They also get involved in trafficking of alcohol and other drugs and this may be lead them to be drug dealers most of drug dealers started by taking alcohol.

Alcohol taking by the teenagers leads to the government and other organization to spend a lot of money in rehabilitating and educating the teenagers about the effect of binge drinking while the money could have been used in other activities such as building of schools and hospitals. (Alan R Lang 2000)

Effect of alcohol on teenagers behavior

Alcohol taking inhibits proper functioning of brain and the nerves. Due to this, the judgment ability of the teenagers is reduced and hence they get involved in activities that are harmful and shameful.

When the youth take alcohol, they engage in violent activities. Any misunderstanding among themselves may lead to fighting and in some cases they kill each other. Destruction of property is part of the teenagers activities when they take alcohol. Some of these violent activities have serious legal implications and may result in those who are involved in being imprisoned and hence shutter their lives. (Nathan Aaseng 1994)

Most of the sexual activities by the teenagers are due to irresponsible consumption of alcohol. When the teenagers take alcohol, they lose control and get involved in sex that is unprotected.Due to this, some contract sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS while the girls get pregnant at tender age which may lead to complications during child delivery. When on drinking spree, the teenagers are likely to encounter sexual exploitation and harassment since they get into dangerous places such as pubs where they cannot defend themselves against the exploiters. (Nathan Aaseng 1994)

Teenagers who take alcohol fail in most of their responsibility. Most of alcohol taking teenagers fails to complete their school assignment because they spent most of their time in drinking at the expense of studies and this result to poor performance in the examinations. Some teenagers refuse to perform duties assigned to them by their parents in order to go and drink and this brings about conflicts with their parents.

When under the influence of alcohol, these teenagers drive irresponsibly and the after math is road accidents which might lead to fatal injuries and death. (Nathan Aaseng 1994)

Suicide rate among the teenagers is on the increase. When the youth take alcohol and other drugs, they experience low self esteem as they feel rejected in the society. Depression sets in and ends in some committing suicide. (Alan R Lang 2000)

Effect of teenager alcohol taking in the society

When the teenagers take alcohol, it not only affects them but also it affects other members of the society.

When the teenagers engage in binge drinking, they cause shame to the family members as the society may feel that they are responsible for not preventing the teenager from engaging in this activity. This behavior among the teenagers may also cause shame among the teachers who teach them as the society might feel that they failed in their responsibility of instilling discipline among their students. (Michael and Johanna 2006)

When teenagers engage in excessive drinking, they destroy their potential of becoming a responsible and productive members of the society. This is because most of their quality time is spent in taking alcohol and this will make them to be a nuisance in the society. Alcohol also leads to erosion of important virtues in the society when majority of the teenagers engage in alcohol drinking. This will likely to have a negative impact when the teenagers grow into adults and due to this, the society will have very many alcoholics. It will result in a sick society. (Michael and Johanna 2006)

Ways in which binge drinking among the teenagers can be reduced

Teenage alcoholism is a big issue that needs the involvement of every member of the society to fight it.

Parents should ensure that they teach their children good manners and advise their children on the type of friends to choose. This will raise awareness among their children on the impact of peer pressure on their behavior. (Morten and Curtis 2007)

Advertisements that encourage alcohol taking by the teenagers should be banned and more responsible advertisements should be adopted.

Alcohol should be sold expensively to prevent the teenagers from buying it and stiff penalties should be imposed on those who sell alcohol to the teenagers.

Teenagers should be educated on the effect of alcohol and encouraged to involve that will keep them busy. (Morten and Curtis 2007)

Conclusion

Alcoholism as a disease has infected many the teenagers. Due to this, it is important that every member of the society participate in fighting this vice as it will result in teenagers as important member of the society perishing.

Reference

Nathan Aaseng.Teen and drunken driving. New York: Routlege, 1994.

Alan R Lang.Alcohol: Teenage drinking.Boston: McGraw, 2000.

Chris Volkman, Torren Volkman.Binge to blackout: Mother and son struggle with teen drinking. New York: Penguine, 1999.

Michael T French and Johanna C MacLean: Underage alcohol Use, Delinquency and criminal activity.Cambridge: Cambridge University press, 2006.

Morten Gronbaek and Tine Curtis. Harm minimization among teenage drinkers.Denmark: Copenhagen, 2007.

Dias Pj.Adolescent substance abuse assessment in the office.Paediatric clinic of north America.49.2 (2002):269-300.

Introduction

The patient is a 45-year-old male presenting with a drinking problem. He works as a corporate lawyer at a local company. In this case, no clear information about his family is given, except that he has a wife who threatens to move out with their children if the man does not solve his alcohol dependence. His history of alcohol use began at the age of 17 and continued during his college, law school, and employment period. He takes at least six beers daily, but the number of drinks can increase to 14 in a day. The outcomes of his drinking habits are observed in all spheres: he arrives late at work, misses family events, stops playing tennis, and visits local bars regularly. The man can no longer ignore some disturbing factors concerning his physical and mental health. For example, almost every morning begins with a severe hangover, affecting his critical thinking abilities and performance. During the day, he cannot help but think about alcohol. The man admits he needs professional help to solve his problems with alcohol and is ready to begin his treatment.

Sometimes, people can control alcohol use and predict the development of negative outcomes affecting human health and interpersonal relationships. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (as cited in Chiva-Blanch & Badimon, 2019) identifies moderate consumption of alcohol, which is about 1-2 drinks for a person of legal drinking age. It means that if a person takes alcohol within the offered limits and does not overuse available opportunities, drinking from time to time is normal without serious harm. Unfortunately, more than 38.5 million Americans drink, and 6-7% report heavy alcohol use (Bohm et al., 2021; Kranzler & Soyka, 2018). Regular alcohol use tends to turn into alcohol use disorder (AUD) when the duration of consumption prevails 12 months and dependence is hardly controlled (American Psychiatric Association, 2012). Many physiological, emotional, and behavioral changes are observed, depending on demographic, environmental, and other factors.

Considering the information in the offered vignette, it is impossible to identify additional demographic or personal characteristics of the patient, including his race, ethnicity, nationality, income, or behaviors. He belongs to a group of middle-aged people who are at risk of moderate cognitive impairment because of alcohol (Chosy & et., 2022). According to Bohm et al. (2021), the prevalence of binge drinking (more than five standard drinks on the same occasion) is higher among males (22.5%) than among females (12.6%). About 25% report drinking weekly, and people older than 25 have a higher predisposition to this habit (Bohm et al., 2021). In addition to increased mortality rates, excessive alcohol use is characterized by co-occurring drug use disorders, depression, phobias, and somatic problems (Kranzler & Soyka, 2018). The patient under analysis has serious drinking problems, and he has to take several assessment tests to understand what kind of help should be offered to prevent the development of additional health complications.

Assessment

The patient reports repeated problems related to alcohol use, which requires the application of certain assessment tools to recognize his strengths and limitations in dealing with the situation. He takes the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), which consists of ten simple questions with optional answers to obtain a particular score. If a persons score is more than eight, an alcohol problem exists. The patient got 24 points, which served as definite evidence of alcohol use problems and the necessity of treatment.

Several core strengths may help the client improve his treatment outcomes. One of the major elements is his positive intention to apply for a treatment program. The patient has already tried to cut down his alcohol dependence on his own, but no success has been achieved. He has some insight into his problem and is ready to start treatment. At the same time, his family support can become a significant issue to rely on because the men understand his responsibilities as a husband and a father. He is aware of meaningful family events, but alcohol problems affect his memory. His recognition of employment obligations is another critical strength to be considered because he is a lawyer, and his job does not allow regular hangovers and lateness. Finally, the possibility of physical exercises in which he was previously involved should be mentioned. Instead of visiting a local bar, the patient needs to find the nearest tennis court and restore his skills.

Several limitations or the clients weaknesses might affect a treatment process in the most unpredictable way. The man reports that he is constantly thinking about alcohol during the day, which proves the presence of intrusive thoughts and the inability to control them. No information about his medical history is given, and it is necessary to learn more if he takes any drugs to stabilize his health. Alcohol abuse and dependence cannot be ignored because it affects his emotional and behavioral patterns. Although the patient denies any psychiatric diagnosis, alcohol use might provoke mental changes asymptomatically. Thus, cognitive defects and memory problems are the limitations for successful treatment prognosis.

Diagnosis

A mental health provider must have personal communication, a psychological assessment, a physical examination, and lab tests to diagnose the patient. There are several self-report instruments for individuals to use, and the patient has seen his AUDIT results to continue screening. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), a clinically significant impairment like AUD (is diagnosed if the patient meets at least two patterns (American Psychiatric Association, 2012). The man, in this case, admits to taking alcohol in larger amounts than intended, unsuccessful efforts/persistent desire to cut down, craving to use alcohol, and failures to fulfill his obligations at home (American Psychiatric Association, 2012). Social activities have been diminished due to alcohol, although the man is aware of his problems. These symptoms are not acute, and their development has been occurring for the last 28 years. The condition is severe (303.90  F10.20) due to the presence of more than 6 DSM-5 symptoms in the patient.

In most cases, it is enough to use DSM-5 to diagnose AUD appropriately. Attention should also be paid to physical changes and the results of lab tests. Nausea, vomiting, anxiety, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat are usually the signs of alcohol withdrawal, which may be relevant to AUD. The patient might have an unsteady gait, tremors, and erectile dysfunction; in men, decreased testicular size and reduced testosterone levels provoke feminizing effects (American Psychiatric Association, 2012). Memory loss, depression, and cardiovascular problems can be observed, including high blood pressure or stroke. The elevation of gamma-glutamyltransferase levels, more than 20 units in the carbohydrate-deficient transferrin test, and at least 150 mg of ethanol in the blood are laboratory proofs of AUD (American Psychiatric Association, 2012). Sometimes, additional liver function tests and diagnostic markers are implemented, but the above-mentioned tests and observations create a solid picture of the patient having a serious mental health disorder to be treated.

Treatment

Treatment for the AUD patient depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the level of social support, and physiological issues. The combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with behavioral techniques and medications is one of the most effective psychosocial interventions for severe alcohol use (Kranzler & Soyka, 2018). The main treatment goal, in this case, is to achieve abstinence from drinking. Motivational enhancement and cognitive control are the means to consider and focus on developing social skills, stopping alcohol intake, and replacing alcohol with harmless activities (Kranzler & Soyka, 2018). Individual counseling with the patient is an important step to show how to improve self-control and learn how to recognize situations when drinking is preferred. The patient needs additional explanations for avoiding provocative situations with drinking triggers like visiting local bars. Education about alternatives (e.g., regular physical activities and tennis) for the patient and coping with circumstances plays a crucial role. The man should be ready to talk about his feelings and desires with an expert and listen to recommendations.

Because the patient has already taken several unsuccessful steps to stop drinking, pharmacological interventions become inevitable to control his behaviors and decisions and predict symptom deterioration. Oral and injectable medications like disulfiram (250-500 mg/day), naltrexone (50 mg/day), or acamprosate (1998 mg/day) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent drinking behaviors (Kranzler & Soyka, 2018). Some drugs might directly reduce the drinking urge, while others provoke the necessary physical reaction (nausea or headache) to stop drinking. Unfortunately, many recent studies on pharmacological interventions are characterized by high dropout rates, and psychiatrists prefer to follow CBT interventions (Kranzler & Soyka, 2018). Proper motivation, family support, and restrictions should be properly identified to show the patient the benefits and harms of drinking and help him enhance self-control. Relapse prevention is also critical not to allow the patient to return to bars or find another reason for drinking.

Conclusion

Despite various preventive programs, many people of both genders tend to relapse. The environment affects the decision to drink or not to drink in a particular situation. Positive outcomes will be expected if the patient is interested in a program and wants to use professional help. This 45-year-old patient has several motivational factors like family support, employment, and sports engagement. These issues can be enough to achieve short-term goals of drinking abstinence for some period. Long-term goals based on no alcohol intake in the future are hard to predict, and the patient needs to continue visiting a counselor. The man needs to talk about his feelings and share his thoughts and intentions. His approaches to stopping drinking did not bring positive outcomes, and the success of the current treatment prognosis depends on his cooperation with healthcare practitioners, psychiatrists, and family members. Relapse risks should not be neglected because they are regularly in people with AUD. It will not be easy for a man with more than 25 years of drinking history to quit drinking, but his health improvement and stable family relationships should motivate him to make the right decision.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2012). DSM-V: Diagnostic and statistical manual (5^th ed.). American Psychiatric Association.

Bohm, M. K., Liu, Y., Esser, M. B., Mesnick, J. B., Lu, H., Pan, Y., & Greenlund, K. J. (2021). Binge drinking among adults, by select characteristics and state  United States, 2018. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(41), 1441-1446. Web.

Chiva-Blanch, G., & Badimon, L. (2019). Benefits and risks of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease: Current findings and controversies. Nutrients, 12(1). Web.

Chosy, E. J., Edland, S., Launer, L., & White, L. R. (2022). Midlife alcohol consumption and later life cognitive impairment: Light drinking is not protective and APOE genotype does not change this relationship. PloS One, 17(3). Web.

Kranzler, H. R., & Soyka, M. (2018). Diagnosis and pharmacotherapy of alcohol use disorder: A review. JAMA, 320(8), 815-824. Web.