Richard is Motivated
Richard, 62-year-old man with substance dependence and bipolar disorder comes to the clinic to seek help. The patient is addicted to alcohol and cocaine, which he states that he takes to cope with depression and manic episodes. Past inpatient stays and referrals to AA have not achieved lasting abstinence. He is trying to improve his relationship with his adult children and is motivated to handle his conditions better. His psychiatric provider recommends psychotherapy to address his dual diagnosis.
What diagnostic information would be most critical to collect in the first visit?
Which diagnostic measures are recommended by the US clinical guidelines for the treatment of this patient’s family problem?
Which evidence-based harm reduction strategies would you recommend to treat this patient?
Identify your city, then refer this patient to three agencies near you that would support positive health outcomes for this patient. (These agencies must not have been used in past discussion posts). What was your rationale for choosing these three agencies?
