What are the treatment options for alcohol use disorder, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and support groups? How can you involve the patient’s family in her recovery journey without making her feel pressured?
Scenario 5: Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Background:
A 42-year-old woman has been struggling with alcohol dependency for several years. She admits to drinking to cope with stress and anxiety and mentions that her drinking has escalated, leading to missed workdays and arguments with her spouse. She expresses a desire to quit but feels overwhelmed by the prospect of recovery.
Role-Playing Exercise:
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NP’s Role: In this scenario, you will assess the patient’s readiness for change using motivational interviewing techniques. Start by acknowledging her concerns and validating her desire to seek help.
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Patient’s Role: The patient feels conflicted about quitting alcohol and may express ambivalence, saying things like, “I want to stop, but I don’t think I can.”
Discussion Prompts:
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What motivational interviewing techniques would you use to explore the patient’s ambivalence and readiness to change?
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How do you address the patient’s fears about the difficulty of recovery and potential relapse?
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What are the treatment options for alcohol use disorder, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and support groups?
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How can you involve the patient’s family in her recovery journey without making her feel pressured?
