Alcohol Addiction

Question 1

What are the symptoms of alcohol dependency?

Answer 1

Cravings/compulsions to take
Difficulty controlling use
Primacy
Increased tolerance
Physiological withdrawal on reduction/cessation
Persistence despite harmful consequences

Question 2

What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 2

Tremor, weakness, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, seizures, confusion, agitation, death
Delirium Tremens
Profound confusion, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, sleeplessness, autonomic over-activity

Question 3

What is Wernicke’s encephalopathy?

Answer 3

Caused by thiamine deficiency
Confusion, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, nystagmus
If left untreated can lead to permanent neurological damage

Question 4

What is Korsakoff’s psychosis?

Answer 4

Prominent impairment of recent and remote memory, preservation of immediate recall, no general cognitive impairment, retrograde and anterograde memory, impaired learning and disorientation, may exhibit nystagmus and ataxia

Question 5

What is CAGE?

Answer 5

Screening tool
Have you tried to Cut down?
Have you felt Annoyed by people criticising your drinking?
Have you felt Guilty about drinking?
Have you felt the need to have an Eye-opener?
2 or more indicates alcohol problem

Question 6

How can alcohol withdrawal be managed?

Answer 6

Benzodiazepines , commonly Chlordiazepoxide

Question 7

What is a deterrent medication for alcohol?

Answer 7

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Question 8

What are four anti craving medications for alcohol?

Answer 8

Acamprosate (Campral)
Naltrexone
Nalmefene
(Baclofen)-unlicensed