A client who abuses alcohol is admitted to a treatment facility. What is the most objective way to determine if the client is still using alcohol?

• A. Having the client walk a straight line
• B. Smelling the client's breath
• C. Giving the client a breath alcohol test
• D. Asking the client if he has been drinking

Answer: (C)

The most objective way to determine if a client who abuses alcohol is still using it is through a breath alcohol test. This method provides measurable and quantifiable results by detecting the presence of alcohol in the breath, which directly correlates with blood alcohol concentration. It can provide immediate feedback on whether the client has consumed alcohol, making it a reliable and factual assessment tool.

Other methods, while they may suggest alcohol use, are not as dependable in terms of objective measurement. For instance, having the client walk a straight line can help assess motor skills and coordination but is subjective and influenced by various factors beyond alcohol use. Smelling the client’s breath may indicate alcohol consumption, but it is not definitive, as odors can dissipate and vary among individuals. Asking the client directly if they have been drinking relies on their honesty and self-reporting, which can be misleading. Overall, the breath alcohol test stands out as the most rigorous and concrete method for assessing current alcohol consumption.