Alcohol Flashcards
1
Q
Describe assessment for alcohol use (3)
A
- screen for alcohol dependence with CAGE questionnaire
- if CAGE positive, explore with further questions for alcohol abuse/dependence
- assess drinking profile
- setting, time, place, occasion, with whom
- impact on: family, work, social
- quantity-frequency history
- how many drinks per day?
- how many days per week?
- maximum number of drinks on any one day in the past month?
- if identified positive for alcohol problem
- screen for other drug use
- identify medical/psychiatric complications
- ask about drinking and driving
- ask about past recovery attempts and current readiness for change
2
Q
Describe: CAGE Questionnaire 5)
A
- Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking?
- Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking?
- Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
- Two “yes” responses is considered positive
3
Q
Describe: Continuum of alcohol use
A
4
Q
Describe Investigations: Alcohol consumption (4)
A
- GGT and MCV for baseline and follow-up monitoring
- AST, ALT (usually AST:ALT approaches 2:1 in an alcoholic)
- CBC (anemia, thrombocytopenia)
- INR (decreased clotting factor production by liver)
5
Q
In-patient program if what? (4)
A
- dangerous or highly unstable home environment
- severe medical/psychiatric problem
- addiction to drug that may require in-patient detoxification
- refractory to other treatment programs
6
Q
Describe pharmacologic management of alcohol (3)
A
- diazepam for withdrawal
- disulfiram (Antabuse®): impairs metabolism of alcohol by blocking conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid, leading to flushing, headache, N/V, hypotension if alcohol is ingested (available in U.S., but no longer available in Canada)
- naltrexone: competitive opioid antagonist that reduces cravings and pleasurable effects of drinking
