Juan has a problem. He began drinking two years ago, when he was in middle school, and now he finds that it takes more and more alcohol to get the same "buzz" he used to get when far less was consumed. When he doesn't drink, he feels an increasing sense of discomfort and craving for a drink. He has tried to just say no, or at least cut down on the amount he is drinking, but nothing seems to work.
a) According to the DSM‐IV‐TR, what is the likely diagnosis?
b) Juan describes "discomfort" when he is not drinking, which propels him into it again. Describe what is happening to him.
c) What symptoms of "discomfort" is Juan most likely to experience for his alcohol addiction, when he is not drinking?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is a) According to the DSM-IV-TR, the likely diagnosis for Juan would be alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder.

b) Juan is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when he is not drinking, which is driving him to continue drinking in order to alleviate the discomfort.

c) The symptoms of discomfort that Juan is likely to experience for his alcohol addiction when he is not drinking may include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, sweating, nausea, and shaking. These symptoms are indicative of alcohol withdrawal and can be very distressing for the individual.

Juan Has a Problem