History was given by a former college classmate. The patient
had a long history of heavy alcohol use. He was a professor at a local professional
school. Six months ago he began to show signs of increasing abuse of alcohol.
He was late to meetings, did not complete assignments, and on several occassions
he came to class intoxicated. He was offered a substance abuse program but
he refused, stating that he had no problem with alcohol. He was fired from
his job two months ago. One month ago the friend was contacted by the patient's
landlord because the patient was drinking all day and was in need of assistance.
The patient resisted help. He was confused and unsteady. An emergency detention
warrant was procured and he was brought to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Previous Medical Diagnoses, Hospitalizations, and Operations:
None
Medications:
None
Personal and Social History:
Lives alone. Father in Ohio, brother in Florida. Neither one
has or desires any relationship with the patient. Drinks 1.5 pints of whiskey
per day.
