A client reports drinking one to two drinks when their drinking behavior first began. Now the client reports drinking at least six drinks with every episode in order to "have a good time." Which term would best describe this phenomenon?

Choice A reason: Drinking alcohol every morning to calm nerves and stop tremors indicates physical dependence. Tremors are a withdrawal symptom, and the need to drink to relieve them shows tolerance and dependence. Additionally, psychological addiction is present because the client believes alcohol is necessary to function. Chronic alcohol use also predisposes to neurologic disorders such as peripheral neuropathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Choice B reason: While the client may have underlying anxiety, the key issue is the dependence on alcohol to manage symptoms. The behavior described is more consistent with addiction and withdrawal rather than a primary anxiety disorder.

Choice C reason: Alcohol can contribute to cardiovascular problems such as hypertension or arrhythmias, but the immediate risk described in the scenario is dependence and neurologic complications, not cardiovascular disease.

Choice D reason: Chronic alcohol use can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially thiamine deficiency, but the client’s daily drinking to stop tremors is more directly indicative of dependence and addiction rather than nutritional deficiency alone.

Choice A reason: Clients with antisocial personality disorder often attempt to manipulate staff by exploiting inconsistencies. Team meetings ensure all staff members are consistent in enforcing rules and boundaries, which prevents manipulation and maintains therapeutic integrity.

Choice B reason: While updating treatment plans is important, it is not the primary reason for frequent team meetings in this context. The main issue is manipulation, not treatment updates.

Choice C reason: Informing rotating staff is helpful, but again, the central concern is manipulation. Consistency across all staff members is more critical than simply updating new staff.

Choice D reason: Processing staff frustrations is valuable for team morale, but it is not the main reason for meetings. The priority is preventing manipulation through consistent approaches.