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Introduction Training Practicum
 question 1 question 2 question 3 question 4 question 5

Patient A has been diagnosed with alcohol dependence or alcoholism. Alcoholism may be treated as a substance dependence disorder characterized by behavior patterns resulting from uncontrolled use of alcohol and continued, or even increased, use, often despite awareness that the substance is disrupting one's life.

Take a cognitive approach:

Question 1: What might be a potential cause of A's alcoholism?

 

a.

lack of problem-solving skills and inability to think through consequences of drinking

X

b.

early sibling rivalry

X

c.

low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in A's brain

X

d.

lack of goals in daily life


Answer: A cognitive approach views a lack in problem-solving skills and an inability to think through consequences of drinking as a potential cause of alcoholism.

Question 2: What might you examine to better understand A's alcoholism?

X

a.

A's early oral experiences and how they relate to current oral behaviors

X

b.

A's relationship with her or his parents and if they are responsible for A's alcoholism

 

c.

A's thoughts and thoughts processes that lead to drinking behaviors

X

d.

the part of A's brain that is responsible for drinking and swallowing


Answer: A cognitive approach might examine A's thoughts and thoughts processes that lead to drinking behaviors.

Question 3: Which treatment might you prescribe for A?

 

a.

change A's negative self-statements into constructive coping mechanisms

X

b.

therapy in which A talks freely about whatever comes to mind

X

c.

replace A's drinking behaviors with a new, but less destructive, addiction

X

d.

hide A's car keys for duration of the treatment


Answer: A cognitive treatment approach might include changing A's negative self-statements into constructive coping mechanisms.


Next, take a existential/humanistic approach.





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