Discussion Prompt: Case Study: Robert
Robert is a 32-year-old businessman who was involved in a car accident on his way home after having a couple of drinks at the local bar. He was referred for evaluation and treatment because at the time of the accident, his blood alcohol test showed .09, which was above the legal limit. He is overweight and tends to have high blood pressure. He grew up in the neighborhood where he and his wife now live. They have two children, ages six and four years. Robert has several childhood friends who come to the bar almost every day during the week to have a few drinks and socialize. His father is also a frequent visitor to the bar and has been for the past 40 years. Robert’s father drinks four to five drinks when he is at the bar, but he does not seem to have any significant problems related to drinking, except for his hypertension. Robert drinks three to five beers at the bar, but he does not feel that he has any drinking problems because he does not drink at home (except for wine with his evening meal).
Identify and sort through the relevant facts presented by Robert’s situation. What tools of interviewing strategies would you use to assess his drinking and its impact? What do you assess his drinking risk to be? Why?
What is your preliminary diagnostic impression?
Identify the problems, issues, and concerns that arise with Robert’s situation
What information should you be certain is shared with Robert? Why?
What is your recommendation to Robert concerning his drinking? Why?
