Case Study Alcohol Dependence - 1262 Words

Alcohol Addiction and Mental Health Mental Health Nursing Professor M. McCutch MSN, RN December 8, 2012 A.G., a 53 year old African American male was admitted for Alcohol Dependence. His Axis I diagnosis was Alcohol Dependence and Alcohol Induced Mood Disorder with Depression. A.G. was admitted to the Mentally Ill and Chemically Addicted (MICA) Unit of Bergen Regional Medical Center on November 20. Upon admission his alcohol level was .278. The legal level in New Jersey is .08. ( oade.nd.edu) He stated that he was practically unconscious when he was brought to the ER. He had suicidal ideations and was consequently admitted. Four days later the patient was calm and it was almost impossible to imagine him as the character†¦show more content†¦Specific examples of alcohol-abuse effects on the body include poor coordination, thiamine deficiency, hypertension and irregular heartbeat, reproductive problems like impotence and irregular menses. The main complications often result in gastrointestinal problems, such as cirrhosis of the liver and pancreatitis. Alcohol-abuse effects on the brain include, but are not limited to, strokes, confusion, and amnesia. Alcohol dependence can also bring on mood disorders accompanied by depression. Alcohol induced mood disorders are usually characterized by a depressed mood and lack of interest in normal activities, as well as the client having and extremely irritable mood. This may develop after heavy drinking and symptoms may occur during episodes of alcohol intoxication or withdrawal. Approximately 10%-15% of people with alcoholism tend to commit suicide. The client, A.G., also has a left prosthesis below the knee which he credits to the alcoholism. When he was about 35 years of age he became so intoxicated one night that he was struck by a car. He is not even sure how the accident occurred but he ended up in a coma for two days and lost his left leg right below the knee. His Axis III diagnosis is pain above the knee. He was taken to Kessler to have his prostheses adjusted which improved the knee pain. The client stated that he then experienced a sober 7 year period. All was going well until he was faced with stressors thatShow MoreRelatedAlcohol Dependence: A Case Study1243 Words   |  5 PagesVIGNETTE CASE STUDY Alcohol is not merely a recreational drink. It is a tool to destroy personal and family lives if uncontrolled. Different people have different levels of control over the use of alcohol where some can actually use it only on occasions while others mess up their lives for it. Teens particularly are prone to the hazards of alcohol if they start quitting school to. The role of family is very significant in helping alcoholics overcome their addiction and lead a healthy non-alcoholicRead MoreDry: A Memoir Essay1539 Words   |  7 PagesIn Dry: A memoir we get to see Augusten’s challenging journey from a life revolving around alcohol to sobriety. 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Gabapentin is a type of anticonvulsant drug originally used to prevent seizures. â€Å"Benzodiazepines represent the standard of care for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal† (Myrick, Malcolm, Randall, Boyle, AntonRead MoreTreatment Of Alcohol Use Disorder ( Aud )1287 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract: While there are several medications available for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD), pharmacotherapy is significantly under-utilized, especially in the Veteran population. This project was undertaken to assess treatment in all patients who were consulted to management in the pharmacist staffed AUD Medication Management Clinic at the VA of Western New York (VAWNY). This was done through a retrospective chart review of all patients referred to the AUD Medication Management ClinicRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1520 Words   |  7 Pagesdeliver a gentle feeling of euphoria. 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