Author Question: Your patient has a long history of alcohol abuse. You know that denial is a frequently used defense ... (Read 77 times)

SGallaher96 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Your patient has a long history of alcohol abuse. You know that denial is a frequently used defense mechanism. Which statement is indicative of denial?

A.
My father was a drinker so I guess that led me to this.
B.
I can stop anytime I want, I just don't feel like it now.
C.
Drinking calms my nerves.
D.
I drink when my kids upset me.

Question 2

Which of the following statements from an alcoholic patient reflects a good understanding of his or her condition?

A.
I will stick to wine or beer from now on.
B.
I'll be OK if my wife will just stop nagging me.
C.
I plan to take my sobriety 1 day at a time.
D.
I won't need AA after I am sober for 1 year.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
This response indicates the person is minimizing or not acknowledging that he or she has a problem. In the other responses the patient is acknowledging drinking but rationalizing the causes.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Responses A, B, and D all reinforce use of ineffective defense mechanisms, including denial, rationalization, and minimization. Response C reflects understanding of the disease as a lifelong struggle.