Reference no: EM133842170
Alcohol Abuse
Mr. M. is a 40-year-old salesperson with a wife and three teenaged children. He recently began to have a beer at lunch and a few drinks after work to reduce his work-related stress. An economic downturn in the housing industry has reduced the need for new home appliances, and his income and sales record were affected. Several other salespeople were laid off at his firm. He was told that if his sales and attendance records did not improve, he would be fired. He and his wife were constantly arguing about finances and the children's increasing demands for money. His drinking increased to several beers at lunch and continued drinking after dinner. When he returned to work one day with alcohol on his breath, he was dismissed from his job. He continues to consume alcohol during the day as he attempts a job search. His wife is very concerned, as are his teenaged children.
1. What is the action of alcohol on the CNS, and how has alcohol abuse affected Mr. M.'s ability to deal with customers and his coworkers?
2. Mr. M. states he is a social drinker and "can stop at any time." How accurate is his self-assessment?
3. What stressors are present in Mr. M.'s case?
4. Why does Mr. M. continue to increase his alcohol intake?
5. What changes in liver function can Mr. M. expect if he continues to drink large amounts of alcohol?
6. Mr. M. complains to his wife that all the stress is causing "indigestion." How do stress and alcohol consumption affect gastrointestinal function?
7. Why is Mr. M. at greater risk for trauma? Mr. M. is convinced to see his doctor and is referred to a center that helps alcoholics to recover and remain sober. He recovers over the following year and successfully completes job retraining at a local college. Mr. M. is assisted in his job search and settles into work with new colleagues. His relationship with his family improves, and he makes several friends among his coworkers. He celebrates his second year of sobriety with his wife.
8. What behaviors increase the risk of Mr. M. reverting to alcohol abuse?
9. What is the long-term prognosis for Mr. M.?