LMSW Practice Test

What is the primary goal in the treatment of clients with alcohol dependency for most clinicians?

1. Controlled drinking

2. Gradually lengthening periods of sobriety

3. Substituting benign medications for alcohol

4. Total abstinence

The correct answer is: Controlled drinking

The primary goal in the treatment of clients with alcohol dependency often revolves around achieving total abstinence. This approach prioritizes the complete elimination of alcohol from the individual’s life, as it is considered crucial for promoting long-term recovery and preventing relapse. Total abstinence serves as a foundational target, aligning with evidence-based practices that indicate a higher success rate in sustaining recovery when individuals completely refrain from alcohol use. While controlled drinking may be an acceptable aim for some clients in certain therapeutic frameworks, it’s generally not the main objective for many clinicians. This is because the complexity of alcohol dependency can make it difficult for some individuals to maintain controlled drinking without slipping back into patterns of excessive use. Gradually lengthening periods of sobriety and substituting benign medications may be strategies utilized in the broader context of treatment, but they generally work best as part of the overall goal of achieving total abstinence. Medications can support recovery but are typically seen as adjuncts rather than primary goals in treatment planning for alcohol dependency.