From Crisis to Recovery: A Comprehensive Case Study of Alcohol Dependence

FROM CRISIS TO RECOVERY: A
COMPREHENSIVE CASE STUDY OF
ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
Client Profile

Name: Nick Davis
Age: 42 years
Occupation: Cook (recently unemployed)
Presenting Situation: Brought to the emergency room by police who
found him standing on a bridge, threatening to jump .


Reason for Referral

Nick was accompanied to the emergency room by law enforcement after
being discovered on a bridge threatening suicide. He reported that his
girlfriend had recently moved out and he lost his job as a cook several days
ago. These compounded losses precipitated his crisis .


Admission Data

Assessment Findings

Blood Pressure 146/94 mmHg

Pulse 92 bpm

Respiratory Rate 20/min

, Assessment Findings

Temperature 98.7°F (37.1°C)

Odor of Alcohol Strong on breath

Self-Reported Intake Only four beers in last 12 hours


Psychiatric Presentation

 Affect: Angry and uncooperative
 Mood: Reports feeling sad for several weeks
 Coping: Uses alcohol to cope with feelings
 Sleep: 5-6 hours per night
 Appetite: Poor, with significant weight loss over past month
 Suicidality: Active suicidal ideation (plan to jump from bridge)


Medical History

 Known History: Compromised liver function
 Recent Substance Use: Denies illegal drug use or medications in past
72 hours
 Previous Admissions: Well known to nursing staff for prior alcohol-
related admissions




CLINICAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS


CAGE Questionnaire