Alcohol Addiction Flashcards
What is the approximate prevalence of any alcohol disorder in the US? (including abuse and dependence)
17.6 million people (8.5%) - based on 2004 data
What percentage of people with an alcohol use disorder have received treatment?
20%
What sex, age, race is most likely to have an alcohol disorder?
2-3x more common in men.
Highest among young adults, rates decline with age.
Highest rates in Native Americans, Whites, Latinos, Blacks, Asians in descending order.
What are 4 indicators by which peopled get identified as having a problem with EtOH?
Family complaints (earliest) Work problems Medical problems (often late) Arrests (DWI, domestic disturbances)
What are the 4 DSM-IV-TR criteria for alcohol abuse? How many must you have to get the diagnosis? Time frame?
EtOH use with impairment or distress over 12mo period. Need at least 1 of these:
- Failure to fulfill obligations at work/school/home.
- Recurrent use in hazardous situations.
- Legal problems related to EtOH.
- Continued use despite EtOH-related social/interpersonal problems.
What are the 7 DSM-IV-TR criteria for alcohol dependence? How many must you have to get the diagnosis?
Must have at least 3 of the following:
- Tolerance.
- EtOH withdrawal signs/symptoms.
- Drinking more than intended.
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on use.
- Use despite physical or psychological consequences.
- Excessive time spent on EtOH.
- Impaired social/work activities due to EtOH.
What’s “alcohol dependence with physiological dependence” in the DSM-IV-TR?
Alcohol dependence with tolerance and/or withdrawal.
How does diagnosis alcoholism change in the DSM-V? What new criterion is added? Which is removed?
Alcohol Use Disorder is all on one spectrum, ranging from mild to moderate to severe depending on number of criteria met.
“Craving” EtOH is added as a criterion. Legal problems is removed.
When should you have a high index of suspicion for an alcohol use disorder?
All the time.
What percentage of the risk for having an alcohol use disorder is genetic?
50% of the risk for alcohol use disorder is genetic.
What are the 4 stages of treatment of alcohol use disorder?
- Identification.
- Detox / withdrawal
- Rehab
- Aftercare
4 parts of identification?
- Current drinking history: quantity, frequency, type.
- Has it ever caused a problem?
- Standardized screening tests (CAGE, AUDIT)
- Evaluate based on diagnostic criteria. Determine if patient wants to make change.
What’s are the questions in the CAGE questionnaire? What’s a positive response? What do you do with a positive response?
Positive response is answering yes to at least 2 of the following:
Have you ever felt you should CUT down on drinking?
Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing drinking?
Have you ever felt GUILTY about drinking?
Have you ever needed an EYE-OPENER (drink first thing in morning for nerves / hangover)?
Positive result isn’t diagnostic. It means further assessment is warranted.
What is the purpose of the AUDIT test?
It’s more for answering “Does this patient drink more than is healthy?” for early intervention.
Treatment for alcohol withdrawal?
Benzodiazepines, tapered over several days.