Alcohol Abuse
Not what you're looking for?
Mr. Wilko is a 40-year-old salesperson with a wife and three teenage children. He has recently begun 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 has been affected. Several other salespeople have been laid off at his firm. He has been told that if his sales and attendance records do not improve he will be fired. He and his wife are constantly arguing about finances and the children's increasing demands for money. His drinking has increased to several beers at lunch and continued drinking after dinner. When he returns to work with alcohol on his breath, he is 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 teenage children.
Mr. Wilko states he is a social drinker and "can stop at any time." How accurate is his self-assessment?
What stressors are present in Mr. Wilko's case?
Why does Mr. Wilko continue to increase his alcohol intake?
What changes in liver function can Mr. Wilko expect if he continues to drink large amounts of alcohol?
Mr. Wilko complains to his wife that all the stress is causing "indigestion." How do stress and alcohol consumption affect GI function?
Why is Mr. Wilko at greater risk of trauma?
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
The following posting discusses a case study regarding alcohol abuse disorder.
Solution Preview
Mr. Wilko states he is a social drinker and "can stop at any time." How accurate is his self-assessment?
Mr. Wilko is very disillusioned regarding his own condition. Alcoholics are initially in a denial phase, they deny they have a problem and insist they are in complete control over their drinking, arrogantly stating that they can indeed stop at any time when in fact they can not beyond a point. This is where Mr. Wilko is at, he has gone beyond being able to control his drinking habits and continually needs increasing amounts of alcohol to the point it is gravely interfering with his abilities to function daily.
What stressors are present in Mr. Wilko's case?
1. His family responsibilities initially. Having a large family is challenging enough, never mind the added burden of tough economic times.
2. Economy and how it has impacted his job and therefore his income.
3. The economic affect on his reputation at work.
4. Fear of being the next to be laid off.
5. Loss of job.
6. Increasing family burdens - i.e.: How to support, Fights over income. Denial of his alcohol problem to his family.
Why does Mr. Wilko continue to increase his alcohol intake?
1. He cannot control the drinking at a point and continues to increase it out of need for the levels of alcohol and their increase.
2. He wants to forget his stressors and remain ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Childhood Disorders (Axis 1)
This quiz is designed to test one's knowledge on childhood Principle Disorders found in the DSM-IV (1994). This is a good quiz for those who wish to pursue a career in child assessment or child development. Good luck.
Theories of Work Motivation
This quiz tests the student's understanding of the major theories of work motivation from an organizational behavior perspective.
Controversies in Developmental Psychology
This quiz addresses controversies in developmental psychology.
Can you name these types of cognitive distortions?
In each mini-scenario, can you identify the type of cognitive distortion being displayed? All of us are subject to cognitive errors, biases, and distortions throughout our daily lives.
Perspectives of Psychology
A review of main theoretical perspectives and those most closely associated with them