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PCN-501 Topic 3: Shawna Case Study

Shawna has been having a couple of beers every evening for the past 15 years. Recently, her alcohol intake has grown significantly, and she no longer keeps track of how much she consumes yet insists that she drinks about six to nine bottles a week. Despite her increased drinking, Shawna successfully runs a small business, supports her spouse and three kids, and maintains her daily routines without noticeable issues. Last month, she visited her doctor and was diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes, signaling the early stages of liver disease. Her doctor strongly advised her to quit drinking right away.

Shawna’s initial reaction was one of disbelief: "I’m not an alcoholic. Alcoholics struggle to manage their responsibilities and have chaotic lives!" Furthermore, Shawna’s father and grandfather both had liver disease, so she attributes her health issues to genetics rather than her drinking habits. Despite the doctor's warnings, she continues to drink several beers each night, refusing to acknowledge her drinking as a problem. She is opposed to change because he doesn’t recognize the connection between her alcohol consumption and her liver condition. To her, the medical issues are legitimate and troubling, but they have nothing to do with her drinking.

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