Assessment Project Analysis

Assessment Project Analysis

Angela Carkin

BSHS/455

July 4th, 2016

Catherine Harm

Assessment Project Analysis

        The individual used in this paper tends to go out drinking on the weekends and thinks that he does not have a problem when it comes to alcohol. The screening method used was the CAGE method and this paper will determine if this method is useful. There are some additional questions that should be asked in order to accommodate particular special populations. This paper includes a summary of the findings as well as some reccommended treatment options.

The CAGE method consists of four questions that the patient is asked. The first question is “Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?” The second question is “Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?” The third question is “Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?” The fourth question is “Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye opener)?” If there is a positive answer to at least one of the questions, then the problems the patient may be having because of the use of alcohol needs to be explored. If at least two of the answers are positive, then this usually means the test is positive (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012).

        The CAGE screening method was not extremely useful in this scenario. The client answered yes to two of the questions, but he still did not feel as though he has a problem when it comes to drinking. Studies have shown that while the CAGE method is good in some cases, there are times when the CAGE method is just not enough to determine if a person has a problem. While answering yes to two of the questions deems it a positive test result, this is not always true. In some cases, the individual must answer yes to more than two of the questions in order to determine if they have a drinking problem (Aertgeerts, Buntinx, & Kester, 2004). Another study has shown that CAGE should only be a first line tool for screening for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency. A positive reply to one of the first three questions indicates that there is a need to investigate further. The fourth question simply determine whether the individual has a problem with alcohol abuse or alcohol dependency. However, the investigation may find that they individual is not alcohol dependent and they do not abuse alcohol (Malet, Schwan, & Boussiron, 2005). 

        When working with individuals who are part of a special population, there may need to additional questions they should be asked. For example, if you are working with an individual who is part of the LGBTQ community, you may ask them if they drink and go to bars because they feel as though this is the only way to meet someone. Another example is if the individual is from a religion that is known to have alcohol as part of their ritual, then the professional should ask them if there are any substitutes that can be used for the alcohol, such as grape juice instead of wine.