Sam is a 44 year old male who presents to the outpatient clinic for treatment of bipolar disorder. During the interview Sam admits to using alcohol daily. Sam reports he never intended to drink

Sam is a 44 year old male who presents to the outpatient clinic for treatment of bipolar disorder. During the interview Sam admits to using alcohol daily. Sam reports he never intended to drink this much for this long. He reports he drinks 8-10 beers daily for at least the last year. You ask if he has ever stopped drinking and what that feels like. Sam reports “I don’t like who I am without the alcohol.” He goes on to say that he feels jittery and like he can’t sit still if he doesn’t drink the beer. He reports drinking all throughout the day. Sam reports he hasn’t been able to work because of medical concerns and he is scheduled for a right total knee replacement in 5 days. Sam is currently taking Abilify 15mg daily for bipolar disorder, “a muscle relaxer”, and norco 5/325 BID PRN for knee pain. Sam’s working diagnosis is Alcohol use disorder.
Wanting treatment for bipolar disorder.
Unintended daily alcohol use of 8-10 beers daily.
Has tried to stop drinking before but doesn’t like the way he is when he does.
Feels jittery and restless when not drinking.
Unable to work d/t medical concerns.
Scheduled for right total knee replacement in 5 days.
Taking Abilify, a muscle relaxer and norco.