Alcohol/Drug Misuse and Dependence

Question 1

1. Identify 7 cancers associated with alcohol misuse

2. What is the recommended limit of alcohol consumption in one week for both males and females?

Answer 1

1. Bowel, breast, Oesophagus, Mouth, Upper Throat, Larynx and Liver
2. 14 units spread over days.

Question 2

1. Define Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

2. How long does dependence usually take to develop?

Answer 2

1. Where alcohol overuse leads to tolerance, withdrawal and compulsive substance use. Patient continues to use substance despite significant substance-related problems.
2. On average 10 years (3-4yrs in women)

Question 3

1. Identify some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
2. Describe the course of alcohol withdrawal syndrome
3. What is delirium tremens?

Answer 3

1. Tremor, sweating nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, anxiety, Delirium Tremens.
2. Begins within hours, peak 24-48hrs, resolves within 7-8 days.
3. Most serious possible withdrawal state which occurs 1-3 days after alcohol cessation. Patients are disorientated and agitated with marked tremor and visual hallucinations.

Question 4

1. What are the psychological effects of opiates?

2. How is Overdose treated? How is dependence overcome?

Answer 4

1. Calm, slightly euphoric mood, freedom from physical discomfort, flattening of emotional response.
2. Naloxone, Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT)

Question 5

1. Identify the drugs that can cause Drug-Induced Psychosis
2. Can occur ______ after drug use but is mainly associated with _____ misuse.
3. Identify some clinical features of this.

Answer 5

1. Amphetamines and their derivatives, Cocaine and Hallucinogens
2. Acutely, Chronic
3. Hallucinations, delusions, misidentification, psychomotor disturbances (stupor and excitement)