Frank is a 35-year-old married male who drinks “a couple” of beers every night to unwind. He just got his third DUI this weekend on his way home from a
social event with friends. His attorney recommended he visit an alcohol and drug counselor before his court date as “it would look good to the judge.” Frank
reported he had no idea he was over the legal limit of .08, as he “didn’t even feel that buzzed.” The alcohol counselor defined tolerance to him, indicating that
it took more alcohol to give him the same effect. Frank noted he probably drank about seven beers that night over a three-hour time span. He also reported
that he had few negative consequences previously, but the alcohol counselor noted that he had been late to work on Mondays due to headaches, which she
called “withdrawal” symptoms, since he indicated he often drank more on the weekends. He also reported some blackouts where he lost time or did not
remember exactly what he said or did, but he was not “passed out.” The alcohol counselor thought this was a red flag. The counselor asked for a meeting
with Frank’s wife, and she reports Frank’s personality and behavior changes when he has been drinking as well. She states he becomes verbally abusive and
will throw and break things. The alcohol counselor also seemed concerned that Frank’s paternal grandfather had been an alcoholic and died of diabetes and
liver problems, even though Frank’s parents do not drink at all, and he does not really remember his grandfather.
You are making a recommendation to the judge in Frank’s court hearing. Write a case study that includes the following:
The biochemical issues that are prominent in this case
A summary of the key risk factors for Frank, as well as any protective factors.
The healthcare services that are available to Frank and information on how these services can be utilized.
The treatment options and settings you are recommending for Frank. Explain why you are making these choices, and the specific strategies they will use to
help Frank. (There should be at least two
