Alcohol Dependancy

Question 1

What are the 7 features of alcohol dependancy?

Answer 1

1) Compulsive drinking
2) Increased tolerance
3) Withdrawal effects
4) alleviation of withdrawal effects by reinstatement
5) Saliency (need for alcohol comes above competing needs and responsibilities)
6) Continued drinking despite negative effects of health
7) Narrowing of repertoire

Question 2

What would indicate increased tolerance of alcohol?

Answer 2

lack of hangovers

Question 3

What are the withdrawal symptoms of suddenly stopping alcohol?

Answer 3

• tremors
• anxiety
• nausea
• vomiting
• headache
• increased heart rate
• sweating
• irritable

Question 4

What medication could be given to help symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 4

Benzodiazapine (diazepam or chlorodiazepoxide)

Question 5

what is the recommended daily alcohol allowance?

Answer 5

Women = 2-3 units a day (14 units a week)

Men = 3-4 units a day ( 21 units per week)

Question 6

How can you calculate units ?

Answer 6

% strength of alcohol X volume = units

Question 7

What comprises the CAGE questionnaire?

Answer 7

1) do you ever feel like you should CUT DOWN your drinking
2) Do you ever feel ANGRY/ANNOYED when people try to talk to you about your drinking
3) Do you ever feel GUILTY as a consequence of drinking?
4) Do you ever need an EYE OPENER - a drink in the morning before you can function?

Question 8

How is alcohol dependancy managed?

Answer 8

• advice to help cut down
• AA (support group)
• Self help
• Thiamine replacement
• Detox
• Counselling
• Dietry supplements

Question 9

What is the classification of harmful drinking (in units)

Answer 9

women 35+ units per week

men 50+ units per week