The nurse is assessing the drinking history of a client being admitted for alcohol abuse. Which statement would the nurse expect the client to make?

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Substance use typically includes the use of defense mechanisms, especially denial. Clients may deny directly having any problems or may minimize the extent of problems or actual substance use. During assessment of thought process and content, clients are likely to minimize their substance use, blame others for their problems, and rationalize their behavior. They may believe that they could quit on their own if they wanted to, and they continue to deny or minimize the extent of the problem. Upon admission, the nurse would not expect the client have the insight to know how badly help is needed, or to express powerlessness over alcohol. The client would have some motivation for treatment if admission was underway. Often the motivation is external, such as pressure from family or employers.

The Nurse Is Assessing the Drinking History of a Client