HUMAN CASE STUDY #1

David is 42

He drinks most evenings, usually beginning around 6pm

Over the last three years his drinking has increased from 2- 3 drinks to approximately 8–10

He has tried repeatedly to reduce it and sometimes manages several weeks before returning to the same pattern

His marriage is deteriorating. His wife has threatened to leave twice. He has begun missing occasional mornings at work

He describes anxiety, difficulty sleeping and periods of feeling “empty”

His father drank heavily and was emotionally unpredictable. His parents separated when he was 9

David describes his childhood as “fine” and says he doesn’t believe it has anything to do with his drinking

He says
“I don’t know why everyone makes this so complicated. I just like drinking”

He doesn’t want abstinence. He wants to “get it under control”

You’re meeting David for the first time

What do you think is happening?

What would you want to know next?

And what would you recommend?

Therapists, psychiatrists, addiction workers, psychologists, recovery professionals, peers – I’m genuinely interested..??