Alcohol Dependence Case Studies

The intent of the AUDIT or the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test is to recognize individuals whose alcohol ingesting has become risky or damaging to their well-being (Bradly, Debenedetti, Volk, & Williams, 2007). The AUDIT is a 10-item device with fluctuating numbers of reply selections per item, vacillating from three to six selections; its objective is to measure three facets of alcohol misuse; consumption, dependence, and interrelated complications (Bradley, et al., 2007). Reactions are differentially biased such that between zero and four points are conceivable per element (Bradley, et al., 2007). A score of eight or greater is evocative of alcohol problems (Bradley, et al., 2007). This screening implement takes less than four minutes to administrate and performs to be more sensitive to current drinking involvements such as binge drinking in the last 30 days or the regularity of drinking and driving incidents in the last 12 months (Bradley, et al., 2007).

To be diagnose with substance use disorder the person will have the following symptoms that has occurred during a 1 year period. The inability to manage key obligations at home not paying mortgages and bills, work not showing up or missing important deadline or school not going. Driving while under the influence which could cause physical harm and hazard to yourself and others, social and personal issues because of substance use, legal problems because of substance use disorder.

Field, C. A., Caetano, R., Harris, T. R., Frankowski, R., and Roudsari, B., (2009). Ethnic differences in drinking outcomes following a brief alcohol intervention in the trauma care setting. Society for the Study of Addiction, 105, 62–73.

Alcohol abuse is growing rapidly throughout U.S. society. One in every twelve adults is being diagnosed with alcohol abuse (Barlow and Durand, 2006). All that are diagnosed with alcohol abuse must meet one or more of the following criteria within a twelve month period: he/ she must fail to accomplish major work, school or home

“Changes in self-reported frequency of drug and alcohol use and in Drug Abuse Screening Test scores

One objective by Healthiest Wisconsin 2020 involves reducing unhealthy and risky alcohol and other drug use by changing attitudes, knowledge, and policies, and by supporting services for prevention, screening, intervention, treatment, and recovery (Wisconsin Department of Health Services). One plan to decrease alcohol and illicit drug use is by using the process of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT). The goal of SBIRT is to target at risk individuals and intervene as more of a preventive measure before the situation increases to full on substance abuse and/ or dependency. The University of Massachusetts Medical School researched the effectiveness of having Remote Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (R-BIRT), where at risk individuals are connected with a R-BIRT interventionalist by telephone or two-way phone call to at risk patients while in the Emergency Room. The R-BIRT health coach completes an assessment, engages in brief motivational counseling, and refers the patient to follow-up if needed. The results of this exploratory study showed a positive impact. 58% of those in the study completed a consultation with the health coach, with patients who were enrolled in a model where the consult occurred during the Emergency Room visit, as opposed to after the visit, much more likely to a consult, 90% to 10%. If Emergency Departments had more of a

The reading entitled “The Treatment Plan” focuses on developing treatment plans, particularly for those in substance abuse rehabilitation programs. First, the interdisciplinary team, which consists of a variety of professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists, writes a summary of the client at intake to determine the problems, how they came about, and the potential solutions. Next, a problem list is created. The problem statement is one sentence explaining the problem, which is abstract and not tangible. Therefore, signs and symptoms are also listed underneath, such as history of DUI and the blood alcohol level. These are used as evidence to back-up the problem statement. After, for each problem statement, several goals are listed that

The standardized Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) instrument form is a comprehensive, integrated tool that can enable health professionals in any setting to quickly assess persons with substance use disorders (SUDs) or at risk of developing these disorders, to deliver early intervention to at-risk substance users, and assist those in need of a brief intervention or more intensive treatment receive appropriate treatment services (SAMHSA, 2015). The SBIRT form consists of few sections. It incorporates a 10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire made of two sections: the alcohol pre-screen which is the first level screen that assesses patients or clients for alcohol use and consists of questions one to three, and the full screen which consists of questions four to 10 and identifies signs of dependence with questions four to six and related problems with questions seven to 10.

One objective that this program intends to achieve is to provide physicians with screening tools and guidelines so that they are able to evaluate and recognize red flags for potential substance abuse. These

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a tool used to screen for excessive drinking and identifying the cause of a presenting illness.

Alcohol-dependent people are often unable to stop drinking once they start as alcohol dependence is characterized by tolerance or the need to drink more to achieve the same "high", in addition, serious withdrawal symptoms if drinking is stopped suddenly. The sooner that the individual begins to receive help for the treatment of their alcoholism means that, the shorter period that they will be able to stop use. Individuals who receive treatment

(Beauvais 1998, p.256). Finally, the fairly relaxed perception some individuals have towards alcohol consumption can lead to overconsumption and abuse. Sometimes, individuals may be oblivious to the repercussions associated with alcohol, “On the one hand, they view drinking as a social mechanism that facilitates interactions with family and friends and increases bonding; on the other hand, alcohol abusers are acutely aware of the destruction it has wrought in their lives” (ibid. p.257).

Alcoholism in our local area of Oconto, Wisconsin is, unfortunately, common. Studies have shown people of deprived societies are at greater risk of alcohol-related ill heath than more affluent societies (Bellis, et al, 2016, p.1). Challenging behaviors of alcoholics include smoking, obesity, and poor diet/exercise. At Bellin Health Oconto Hospital (BHOH), we have an alcohol detoxification program. We utilize the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) protocol. This protocol is designed to maintain consistency in patient assessment and treatment providing a symptom-triggered therapy given medications. Non-pharmacologic interventions are also utilized such as a quiet environment, reducing sensory stimuli (lights

Alcohol dependence is known to be the most severe form of alcohol abuse. A person becomes so dependent on alcohol consumption that he/she loses sight of all the other important things going on around him/her. Family matters and social responsibilities become secondary worries to his/her primary concern for existence, which is drinking (Stephens, 2007). Nearly fourteen million Americans are somewhat dependent on alcohol. Alcohol dependence is more prominent in men, and young adults ages 18-29 (Stephens, 2007). According to a study done by Saitz “85,000 deaths, along with substantial disability from medical and psychiatric consequences, injuries and “secondhand” effects (ex: motor vehicle crashes) are attributed to the use of alcohol” (Saitz, 2005).

What is alcoholism? Alcoholism is a chronic disease where a person becomes dependent on liquor. One in every twelve adults suffer from Alcoholism. Alcohol is one of the most abused substance in the United States. There are over 80,000 death in the United States due to excessive drinking. Alcoholism has many names two of the most common are Alcohol Use Disorder, and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. A person who is dependent on alcohol is usually called an alcoholic.