Psychotherapy to Resolve Drinking Problems

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Table of Contents

Presenting Concern
Case Conceptualization
Assessment
Diagnostic Impressions
Therapeutic Approach
Treatment Goals
Ethical Considerations
References

Presenting Concern

The client resorted to a counselor because he realized his drinking problems caused a chain of unpleasant situations in his life. More specifically, James identified having alcoholic inclinations caused by enormous stress associated with his work. James’ drinking problem took a toll on his family life since his wife threatened to leave with their two children. Additionally, the client specified that he is currently having a tense relationship with a leader of the firm due to his drinking episodes which make him skip working days.

Case Conceptualization

The client is a Caucasian heterosexual male living in a family of four. His family might put a strain on his emotional health since he has to provide his wife and children with material goods. In addition, James is a religious person, which may be the factor contributing to his desire to be treated. He has an upper management position at a multinational biotechnology research and development firm. It means that his job puts much pressure on him and does not allow him to relax for too long. James resorted to alcohol to unwind the conversation with his boss and other leaders in the company. Finally, his personal life began to suffer since his wife wanted to split with him.

Assessment

A clinician may use a guide titled “Helping patients who drink too much.” This assessment tool will be helpful in identifying the degree of severity of the condition. Furthermore, it is an excellent means of determining the proper treatment (Rabow et al., 2019). AUDIT Alcohol Screening Tool will be the following method of appraising James’ state. This screening will help identify a client’s drinking patterns and feelings when consuming alcohol and recognize if a patient is exposed to alcohol-related harms.

Diagnostic Impressions

The provisional diagnosis for James is alcohol use disorder which is the cause of his mishaps. Alcohol intake violates the average balance of the activity of various body systems, causing a natural chain reaction. Alcoholic beverages are consumed in systematic intake of small doses or unsystematic intake of large quantities (Smith, 2017). The continuation of drunkenness leads to a gradual decrease in patients both socially and personally. The fact that James’ family and working relations are falling apart proves the previous statement.

The rationale for Diagnostic Impressions: Note: Use the DSM-5 to explain how the client’s symptoms are reflected in the diagnostic criteria for each diagnosis that you render.

As per the DSM-5, the criteria for alcohol use disorder in James’ case are the following:

He wants to reduce alcohol consumption but cannot succeed.
He continues drinking, disregarding the family and work problems.
He has intoxication after drinking (KM, 2017).
Sometimes, James consumes more alcohol than intended.
He uses drinks as a means of mitigating communication (KM, 2017).

Therapeutic Approach

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective methods of treating alcoholism. Alcohol abuse is a systemic, multifactorial condition; therefore, psychotherapy of alcoholism should be systemic. The treatment of alcoholism with the help of psychotherapy involves the impact on patients in several directions (Smith, 2017). On the one hand, the etiological basis of addiction is being studied, and the counselor must understand why the patient’s life is reduced to alcohol consumption. On the other hand, the doctor programs the patient for a natural desire to stop drinking alcohol. It is usually suggested to an alcoholic that alcohol causes disgust or instills fear of alcohol consumption (Fitzgerald & Puttler, 2018). Psychotherapy of alcohol use disorder should be combined with drug therapy. Only a complex effect helps to cope with the disease successfully. Additional support for the patient is the understanding of family and loved ones. In general, psychotherapy in the treatment of chronic alcoholism works by changing the human psyche. This complex approach was chosen because James needs to get rid of this bad habit as well as preserve his family and maintain his working position.

Treatment Goals

The primary treatment goal would be investigating the causes of James’ alcohol abuse. The first step towards disposing of a problem is admitting it and identifying the roots because both the counselor and client must know where it stems from (Singer et al., 2019). The results will be measured during sessions – if James manages to recollect the events leading him to drink, the objective will be achieved.

The second treatment aim is to make James stop drinking alcohol. Throughout the course of psychotherapeutic sessions, James will fill out the screening paper, marking the days when he does not consume a bit of alcohol.

The third initial goal refers to defining the client’s future plans. This step is vital because the alcoholic should realize that they are in charge of their lives. In case James describes his further perspectives, the goal is attained.

Relapse Prevention and Continuum of Care: Describe relapse prevention needs and challenges for the client. Discuss the continuum of care plan and recommendations for the client.

If a relapse occurs, a patient needs to undergo medical treatment and detoxing procedures (Sliedrecht et al., 2019). Ideally, psychotherapy for alcoholism should last several years, with several sessions a month. A doctor should prescribe the intake of medical remedies.

Ethical Considerations

The major challenge associated with treating alcohol use disorder is that the patient’s symptoms may worsen and lead to fatal outcomes. Additionally, the client may refuse to undergo some psychological interventions due to their disbelief.

References

Fitzgerald, H., & Puttler, L. (Eds.). (2018). Alcohol use disorders: A developmental science approach to etiology. Oxford University Press.

KM, L. (2017). Alcohol use disorder: Symptoms, treatment DSM-5 303. Thriveworks.

Rabow, M. W., McPhee, S. J., & Papadakis, M. A. (2019). Current medical diagnosis and treatment 2020. United States: McGraw-Hill Education.

Singer, V., Novalis, P. N., & Peele, R. (2019). Clinical manual of supportive psychotherapy. American Psychiatric Publishing.

Sliedrecht, W., de Waart, R., Witkiewitz, K., & Roozen, H. G. (2019). Alcohol use disorder relapse factors: A systematic review. Psychiatry research, 278, 97–115.

Smith, D. (Ed.). (2017). Emerging adults and substance use disorder treatment: Developmental considerations and innovative approaches. Oxford University Press.

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