A nurse in a substance use disorder clinic is explaining the alcohol recovery process to a client's family. Which of the following should the nurse identify as the first step toward successful recovery from alcohol use disorder?

A. While medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or benzodiazepines may eventually be part of the treatment plan for OCD, administering medication should not be the first action unless the client is in acute distress or experiencing severe anxiety symptoms that require immediate pharmacological intervention.
B. This option involves assessing the severity of anxiety symptoms, which is important for understanding the client's baseline anxiety level. However, calculating this score is not the first action. It can be done later as part of the comprehensive assessment to guide ongoing treatment planning.
C. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, can help manage anxiety symptoms in clients with OCD. However, before initiating specific interventions like relaxation exercises, the nurse should first establish rapport, assess the client's current level of distress, and gather information about the client's symptoms and coping mechanisms.
D. Response prevention is a cognitive-behavioral therapy technique used in the treatment of OCD, where clients are prevented from engaging in compulsive behaviors. This should follow after thorough assessment of the actual psychological state of the client.

A. Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or impulses that are the opposite of their anxiety-provoking unconscious feelings. For example, someone who harbors unconscious aggressive feelings might demonstrate exaggerated friendliness. However, this defense mechanism is more about behaviors and attitudes rather than physical manifestations.
B. Somatization is the conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms. It involves experiencing physical symptoms, such as pain or illness, without a clear medical cause. This defense mechanism is common in individuals with anxiety disorders who may manifest their anxiety through physical complaints rather than acknowledging their emotional distress.
C. Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially acceptable behaviors. It does not typically involve physical manifestations but rather a redirection of emotions or impulses into constructive activities. For example, someone with aggressive impulses might channel them into sports or artistic pursuits.
D. Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where reasoning and logic are used to distance oneself from uncomfortable or threatening feelings. It involves focusing on facts and avoiding emotions associated with a situation. This mechanism is more cognitive and may involve discussing or analyzing anxiety-inducing situations in a detached, rational manner.