The nurse is discussing potential therapy with a client who has abused alcohol and cocaine. Which planning is indicated?

Question

1. The focus of the initial therapy must be to reduce the client's abuse of cocaine because it is illegal.
2. Therapy for alcohol addiction should be addressed first as it is the more easily obtainable of the two substances.
3. Because the client is a polysubstance abuser, it is much more likely that genetics are the cause of the addictions, so inpatient therapy is indicated.
4. Both of these addictions should be addressed simultaneously.

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: Legality is not a factor in the need for therapy for both addictions.
Rationale 2: Easier access does not mean the cocaine addiction should be addressed first.
Rationale 3: There is nothing in this scenario that indicates the client can only be successful in an inpatient setting.
Rationale 4: With polysubstance addiction, it is important to address all the addictions. Any headway made on one addiction may make the other easier to treat.