Reference no: EM133249761

Daniel Story

Daniel Smith is a 24 yr old single male who was bought into the ED via ambulance after his friend phoned from their share house concerned that he could not rouse Daniel. His Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) on arrival was 0.32 and he admitted taking 40mg of diazepam to help him sleep. Once his BAL reached 0.05 Daniel was referred to the mental health team for assessment. Daniel stated he had no intention of trying to harm himself last night but acknowledged the risk of using alcohol and benzodiazepines. Daniel stated that since he was 21, he has been
drinking around 8 beers a night and up to 16 beers on Friday and Saturday nights. He has noticed a recent increase in his use of alcohol
during the week because he has been drinking a couple of glasses of spirits too. Daniel states he has been having trouble sleeping and so takes 2 diazepam to help him sleep most nights. He says he feels down most days and has "given up" on finding work after he lost his job as a store person last year.

Daniel says he was a sociable, "funny guy" at school with "loads of friends" and never felt sad or depressed. He says everything changed
after he was assaulted one night when out in the city with friends when he was 21. He noticed a change in his personality and behaviour. He
found himself to be irritable, tearful, lacking energy and motivation. His sleep was disturbed by nightmares which resulted in him using alcohol to get to sleep. Daniel says he knows the alcohol isn't helping but he doesn't know what else to do.

Daniel says he feels hopeless about his situation and has at times thought of ending it all. These thoughts are worse when he has been drinking and can't sleep. He has never tried to hurt himself in the past.

Daniel has trouble in crowds and will only briefly visit the local small supermarket to purchase groceries once per fortnight. His brother visits
him weekly and encourages Daniel to get out of the house but he finds this too stressful.

Daniel would like to get back to being the person he was in school and to find a job. He would like to have a girlfriend and to catch up with his friends again but he feels overwhelmed by his situation not knowing what to do to get better.

Consider Daniel's story and answer the following questions:

1. What do you believe are the mental health issues and problems Daniel may be experiencing?

2. How will you address the fear of stigma Daniel may be experiencing?

3. What further questions would you ask Daniel to know the thorough drug and alcohol assessment?

4. How would Daniel's readiness to address his alcohol use impact on your therapeutic approach with him?

5. Explore the Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) website to familiarise yourself with the services available. What services would you encourage Daniel to access?

6. What services might Daniel require?