A man had managed not to drink for over two years, but today, when he

A man had managed not to drink for over two years, but today, when he was told his position was being eliminated, he drank himself into a stupor. Which of the following approaches should the nurse take with this client?

a. Admit the man is an alcoholic and always will be
b. Consider the relapse a learning opportunity and discuss options for coping with problems
c. Have him arrested for disorderly conduct in the hope that jail will get his attention and scare him into avoiding future use
d. Suggest inpatient treatment, where he will not be able to access alcohol

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Abstinence is difficult to maintain on a long-term basis. Therefore, an important area is relapse prevention, which aims to prepare the client for the relapse situation in the hope of preventing it or minimizing its impact on recovery. Relapses are reframed as learning opportunities, and the client makes plans for coping with negative mood states, meeting the challenge of craving, and stopping a relapse quickly if it should occur.