Author Question: A patient admitted to an alcoholism rehabilitation program says, I'm just a social drinker. I ... (Read 43 times)

Diane · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient admitted to an alcoholism rehabilitation program says, I'm just a social drinker. I usually have a drink or two at brunch, a few cocktails in the afternoon, wine at dinner, and several drinks during the evening.

Which defense mechanism is evident?

a. Rationalization
b. Introjection
c. Projection
d. Denial

Question 2

A new patient in an alcoholism rehabilitation program says, I'm just a social drinker. I usually have a drink or two at brunch, a few cocktails in the afternoon, wine at dinner, and a few drinks in the evening.

Which response by the nurse will help the patient view the drinking more honestly?

a. I see, and use interested silence.
b. I think you may be drinking more than you report.
c. Being a social drinker involves having a drink or two once or twice a week.
d. You describe drinking steadily throughout the day and evening. Am I correct?

taylorsonier · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Minimizing one's drinking is a form of denial of alcoholism. The patient's own description indicates that social drinking is not an accurate name for the behavior. Projection involves blaming another for one's faults or problems. Rationalization involves making excuses. Introjection involves taking a quality into one's own system.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The answer summarizes and validates what the patient reported but is accepting rather than strongly confrontational. Defenses cannot be removed until healthier coping strategies are in place. Strong confrontation does not usually take place so early in treatment.