Alcohol

Question 1

What is the low risk drinking level for men and women

Answer 1

maximum 14 units per week spread over 3 or more days

Question 2

Dangers of long term alcohol consumption - 6

Answer 2

• mouth, throat and breast cancer
• strokes
• heart disease
• nervous system damage
• mental health deterioration
• liver disease

Question 3

Dangers of single session binge drinking - 2

Answer 3

• accidents resulting in injury
• risk taking behaviours e.g. unprotected sex

Question 4

Why is it called low-risk drinking level instead of safe level

Answer 4

there is no safe drinking level, under 14 units just puts you at lower risk for developing health issues

Question 5

Why do older people have more risks with alcohol - 2

Answer 5

• more likely to be taking meds that interact
• bodies become less able to break the alcohol down

Question 6

Which medication groups interact with alcohol - 9

Answer 6

Sedatives
Paracetamol
NSAIDs
Opioids
Antidepressants
Anticoags
Antihyperglycaemics
Anti-epileptics
Anti hypertensives

Question 7

How is high risk drinking defined

Answer 7

A pattern of alcohol consumption causing health problems directly related to alcohol - mental or physical

Question 8

How is alcohol dependence defined

Answer 8

Craving alcohol and continued drinking in spite of harmful consequences

Question 9

What is the screening tool used to assess high risk drinking - what score prompts further exploration

Answer 9

CAGE tool
A score of 2 or more then warrants an AUDIT score to be carried out

Question 10

What are the challenges of building a relationship with someone who misuses alcohol

Answer 10

• theres a stigma and discrimination, they may feel vulnerable
• must build a trusting relationship
• respect their dignity and confidentiality
• provide info at the level of their understanding

Question 11

What are the dangers of acute alcohol withdrawal - 3

Answer 11

• seizures
• delerium
• death

Question 12

When would you consider referral to specialist services for psychological intervention

Answer 12

Scoring more than 15 on the AUDIT test (alcohol use disorders identification test)

Question 13

When would you consider referral to specialist services for assisted alcohol withdrawal

Answer 13

AUDIT score of 20 or more

Question 14

What are some examples of interventions used

Answer 14

• Behavioural therapy
• Social support
• Family support
• Alcoholics anonymous or other support groups