Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Case Study

While at the treatment facility, the primary concern of the staff will be to address any physiological complications, which have occurred due to his alcohol use disorder. Due to the amount of alcohol consumed by the patient, he potentially has developed a dependency on the substance. Withdrawal from alcohol can be a medical emergency due to the physiological reaction of eliminating the substance from the body. According to Chen, Chuan-Chia, Tzeng, Kuo and Huang (2015), symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include elevated heart rate and blood pressure. This reaction is of particular concern due to the patient’s previous history of a heart attack. Additionally, symptoms of withdrawal may include, excessive sweating, inhibited cognitive functioning and even convulsions. …show more content…
Depending on the severity of the patients alcohol use disorder, he may be placed on a combination of pharmacological therapy and integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (Brown, Glasner-Edwards, Suzette, Tate and McQuaid, 2006). The purpose of integrated cognitive behavioral therapy is to assist the client in identifying negative thought patterns, which caused the addictive though pattern. Therapists aid clients in identifying the situations, which cause the patient to crave alcohol and actions that can reduce the addictive symptomology. Furthermore, during treatment, mental health professionals will aid the client in establishing goals that will assist them in remaining sober. Each of the goals identified during this process are those that are only attained by the client remaining sober. In Jerry’s case, the ultimate goal is the reinstatement of his pilot’s license. Although this framework outlines the potential method of treatment that will be utilized, it fails to measure the effectiveness of the