Alcohol History Flashcards
1
Q
What would you ask about in terms alcohol use?
A
Current use
- What - how much
- When - time of day, days of week, continuous/binge
- Where - pub, home etc.
- Why - social, psych, stress, availibility
Past use
- 5 year intervals
- Ever tried to cut down?
- Treatments/detox tried
- Any relapses
2
Q
What are the components of an alcohol history?
A
- Alcohol use
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Social Effects
- Dependence
- Mood and risk
- Rest of history
3
Q
What social effects would you ask about in an alcoholism history?
A
- Effect on self
- Effect on family
- Effect on work
- Effect on finance
- Encounters with police
- Driving
4
Q
What would you ask about in terms of dependence in an alcoholism history?
A
Physical dependence
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
Psychological tolerance
- Compulsion/persistent desire to drink
- Lots of time drinking
- Given up other activities/family friends for dirnk
5
Q
What are autonomic features of alcohol withdrawal?
A
- Tremor
- Sweating
- Nausea/vomiting
- Palpitations
6
Q
What are neurological features of alcohol withdrawal?
A
- Agitation
- Headache
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Insomnia
7
Q
What would you as about in the rest of the alcohol history (besides alcohol use, social effects, dependence and mood/risk)?
A
- Past psych history
- PMH
- DH
- FH
- SH
8
Q
What detox options are available?
A
- Gradual reduction over time
- Community detox - chlordiazepoxide weaning regime
- Hospital detox - if DTs, poor response or lack of support
9
Q
What options are available for reducing relapses?
A
- Acamprosate - reduces cravings
- Disulfarim - vomiting in response to alcohol
- Naltrexone/nalmefene - blocks effects
